A study shows that just one single dose of the Covid vaccine halves household transmission of the virus.
People receiving a first dose of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines, who became infected three weeks later, were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on than those unvaccinated.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock describes the results as “terrific news”, and urges everybody get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.
The study shows protection against Covid was seen from about 14 days after vaccination. Levels of protection were similar regardless of age of cases or contacts.
This protection was on top of the 60 to 65% reduced risk of a vaccinated person developing symptomatic infection in the first place, four weeks after one dose of either vaccine.
Vaccines vital for return to normality
Vaccines are vital in helping us return to a normal way of life. They reduce the severity of illness and prevent hundreds of deaths every day. In addition, they also impact on reducing the chance of passing Covid-19 on to others.
The findings are “encouraging”, but it is important people still act like they have the virus. We should all practise good hygiene and follow social distancing guidelines.
Households are high risk settings for virus and infections to spread. This means the study gives early evidence on the impact vaccines have on preventing onward transmission. You could expect similar results in other settings with similar transmission risks, such as shared accommodation and prison.
The study also proves just how important it is for people to get vaccinated.
Although vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing you having severe symptoms or infection yourself, the evidence suggests they at least provide some level of protection from passing it on. As many people as possible need to be vaccinated, even if they are not at risk themselves. This will help increase levels of protection across the population, and reduce the number of people getting severely ill or dying from the disease.
Vaccines are slowing the transmission of the virus as well as saving lives.
This is good news for the continued easing of restrictions, especially since the vaccination campaign is making such good progress.
Thank you for reading One Covid Vaccine Halves Transmission
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