Methodology: 4/5
Usefulness: 4.5/5

Polack FP, et al. N Engl J Med. 2020 Dec 31;383(27):2603-2615. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2034577. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

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

 

Author

  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.