Controversy over the efficacy of'Astra' continues... "Even if hit once, 76% effect"

<Anchor>

Regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine to be introduced in Korea, some European countries have recommended that the vaccine be administered only to those under the age of 65.

When the efficacy was controversial, the University of Oxford, which co-developed the vaccine, released an additional study that found that even a single dose of the vaccine would maintain 76% of the preventive effect for three months.

This is reporter Kim Kyung-hee.

<Reporter>

French health authorities have decided to recommend AstraZeneca vaccination only to those under the age of 65.

According to the data submitted by the pharmaceutical company, clinical data for the elderly are insufficient.

Sweden also recommends that only people under the age of 65 get the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Previously, Germany also decided to refrain from vaccinating older people with this vaccine.

However, Italian health authorities, which recommended that the vaccine be given only to those under the age of 55, have issued revised guidelines.

People over 55 years of age have found it useful to get the AstraZeneca vaccine if they are healthy.

Although the European Medicines Agency has approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for all age groups over the age of 18, controversy continues over its efficacy.

The University of Oxford, which co-developed the vaccine, said that once the AstraZeneca vaccine was given, the protective effect would be maintained at 76% for up to three months.

The researchers explained that the AstraZeneca vaccine was effective from the 22nd day after the first vaccination, maintaining a 76% level of protection until the 90th day.

Recently, the UK is increasing the vaccination interval from 4 weeks to up to 12 weeks due to a lack of vaccine, and the researchers say they support the guidelines for expanding the vaccination interval.