Coronavirus latest news: Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine shows 'limited efficacy' against South African variant

The study from South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand and Oxford University showed the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine had significantly reduced efficacy against the South African variant.

Coronavirus latest news: Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine shows 'limited efficacy' against South African variant

AstraZeneca says its vaccine developed with the University of Oxford appeared to offer only limited protection against mild disease caused by the South African variant of Covid-19, based on early data from a trial.

The study from South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand and Oxford University showed the vaccine had significantly reduced efficacy against the South African variant, according to a Financial Times report.

Among coronavirus variants currently most concerning for scientists and public health experts are the Kent, South African and Brazilian variants, which appear to spread more swiftly than others.

“In this small phase I/II trial, early data has shown limited efficacy against mild disease primarily due to the B.1.351 South African variant,” an AstraZeneca spokesman said.

Originally published at The telegraph