Part 2 of Dr Sheri Fanaroff frequently asked questions and answers.
2. IS MY SINGLE DOSE J&J VACCINE EFFECTIVE? DOES IT WORK AGAINST DELTA? I’VE HEARD OF LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE VACCINATED GETTING INFECTED?
● This week, J&J came out with data showing that the vaccine is effective against Covid infections from the Delta variant (55 to 60% effective) and offers 85% protection against severe disease (100% after day 49). This is better than the data for the beta (original South African) variant, which is important as delta is the predominant strain we are now seeing.
● Remember that 60% effectiveness still means that 4 out of 10 vaccinated people can still become infected with Covid-19 (but should have mild infections).
● The J&J data showed that the vaccine continues to work over time, with strong responses for up to 8 months (hopefully longer, but this is the length of time that data is available for so far).
● J&J demonstrated both a strong neutralising antibody response as well as a persistent robust cellular immune response.
● Sisonke also released a statement on 1st July. They reported that, of the breakthrough infections (positive COVID-19 test more than 28 days after vaccine) : 94% were mild, 4% were moderate and only 2% were severe.
● Breakthrough infections after the Sisonke trial should be reported on https://is.gd/sisonke_bti
● Sisonke also reinforced that immunity from the vaccine increases over time and retains effectiveness against variants of concern, such as beta and delta.
Come back next week for more questions and answers.
Sources:
Dr Sheri Fanaroff, Gauteng General Practitioners Collaboration, 05th July 2021
