Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Researchers across the globe are working to develop a vaccine.
Currently, there are 146 candidate vaccines. Today, there are 37 candidate vaccines in stage 3 clinical trials.
So far, 22 vaccines have been authorized across several countries. For general COVID-19 updates visit our live blog. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizedTrusted Source booster Pfizer shots.
The ruling applies to people aged 65 years and older, those with certain health conditions, and anyone whose job puts them at high risk of COVID-19, such as healthcare workers and teachers.
People living with multiple sclerosis often take anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, which limit the activity of B cells.
A recent small-scale studyTrusted Source found that despite this immunosuppression, there was still a robust T-cell response to vaccination for COVID-19.
Johnson & Johnson released new data on Tuesday showing that a two-dose version of its COVID-19 vaccine provides 94% protection against symptomatic infection.
“Our large real-world evidence and phase 3 studies confirm that the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine provides strong and long lasting protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations.
Additionally, our phase 3 trial data further confirm protection against COVID-19-related death,” says Dr. Mathai Mammen, the global head of research and development for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen division.
Citing three studies, the drugmaker says that administering the booster dose a few months after the single shot further increases protection against COVID-19 and could significantly extend the duration of protection.
Giving the doses 56 days apart provided 100% protection against severe disease and 94% protection against moderate-to-severe cases in the United States, phase 2 trials showed.
Globally, the two doses provided 75% protection against moderate-to-severe COVID-19, the company states.
Johns Hopkins researchers carried out a study involving 954 healthcare workers who had either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
