WHO backs up Oxford vaccine despite mutations

In past weeks, reports have come out saying that some new forms of the coronavirus are resistant to the vaccine that was developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. A few countries, France and Germany in particular, have even advised against vaccinating those over 65 years of age using the Oxford jab.

WHO remains confident in the efficacy of the jab

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that the Oxford jab has not yet been conclusively proven to be ineffective as spacing out the two doses, as seen in the UK, only makes the vaccine more successful in protecting one against the virus.

Professor Sarah Gilbert, the chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine trial, said:

It is excellent news that the WHO has recommended use of the Sars CoV-2 vaccine first produced in Oxford. This decision paves the way to more widespread use of the vaccine to protect people against Covid-19 and gain control of the pandemic.

In fact, they believe that the Oxford vaccine is the most cost-effective jab currently on the market and should be used universally to facilitate immunization as it is easy to store in standard fridges and can also be mass-produced.

The vaccine can prevent complications from developing

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, known as Sage, report that the vaccine in question is 63% effective overall despite early data from trials in South Africa that claim that the vaccine was only minimally protecting young people.

Oxford scientists believe that even thought the effective rate might not be of 100%, the vaccine is essential in preventing people from developing potentially fatal reactions to the virus that would result in needing hospital treatment.

Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, Who's Sage's charman said:

There is no reason not to recommend its use even in countries that have circulation of the variant.