Covid vaccines lower the risk of over-80s getting seriously ill by 80% - the latest data explained

Analysis from Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that both the Pfizer BioNTech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective in reducing Covid-19 infections amongst older patients aged 70 and up.

For the over 80s, the data suggest that a single dose of either vaccine is more than 80 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisation, around three to four weeks after the jab. In terms of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, there is also evidence that suggests that it leads to an 83 per cent reduction in deaths from the virus.

‘Significant reduction in symptomatic cases’

The study aimed to estimate the “real world effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against confirmed Covid-19, hospitalisations and deaths” and to “estimate the effectiveness on the UK variant of concern”.

The conclusion of the pre-print of the real world study says: “Vaccination with either a single dose of [Pfizer/BioNTech or Oxford/AstraZeneca] Covid-19 vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic SARS-CoV2 positive cases in older adults with even greater protection against severe disease.

“Both vaccines show similar effects. Protection was maintained for the duration of follow-up (>6 weeks).”

‘Evidence that vaccines are saving lives’

Dr Mary Ramsay, PHE Head of Immunisation, said: “This adds to growing evidence showing that the vaccines are working to reduce infection and save lives.

“While there remains much more data to follow, this is encouraging and we are increasingly confident that vaccines are making a real difference.

“It is important to remember that protection is not complete and we don’t yet know how much these vaccines will reduce the risk of you passing Covid-19 ont others.

“Even if you have been vaccinated, it is really important that you continue to act like you have the virus, practise good hand hygiene and stay at home.”

When asked if these effects are likely to be seen in other age groups as the vaccine rollout reaches young people on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr Ramsay said: “Yes, if anything we would expect it to be a stronger protection from the vaccine.