Vaccine protection rates

PEOPLE who received two Covid vaccines are less likely to die from the virus, according to a new study.

A study found of 3.2 million people who had received two doses in Scotland by August 18, 236 had died with Covid listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Most people who died were around 80 years old and 62% were male.

Alongside Covid, 97% of the group had at least one other cause listed on their death certificate. The most common were chronic heart or kidney disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a fast or irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).

The study was led by Public Health Scotland and supported by Scottish Universities as part of the EAVE-II project.

The study analysed those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. There were no deaths registered during the study period in the smaller group of people vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine.

Dr Josie Murray, consultant at Public Health Scotland, said: “This study shows that deaths from Covid-19 were extremely uncommon in people who have had two doses of the vaccine.

“Indeed, our findings suggest that adults aged 18-64 who are double vaccinated have almost four times increased protection against dying from Covid-19 compared to those who are unvaccinated.

“The figures are even more stark for those who are older, with double vaccinated adults aged 65-79 experiencing 15.5 times greater protection against death than their unvaccinated peers, and for adults over 80, this increased to 30 times higher.

“It is therefore hugely important that when invited for a Covid-19 vaccine, whether it be a first, second or booster dose, you bolster your protection.”