Methodology: 4/5
Usefulness: 4.5/5
Editorial: SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination – An Ounce (Actually, Much Less) of Prevention.
Question/methods: Multinational, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded, pivotal efficacy trial comparing the safety and efficacy of two doses of BNT162b2, given 3 weeks apart, to placebo.
Findings: A two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 conferred 95% protection against COVID-19 in persons 16 years of age or older. Safety over a median of 2 months was similar to that of other viral vaccines.
Limitations: conducted and funded by Pfizer, long-term effects unknown, duration of immune response unknown, few severe cases of COVID-19.
Interpretation: The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and has a similar safety profile to other vaccines.
By: Dr. Simon Wells
