‘Pfizer jab stops transmission’

LONDON: New findings in the UK show the Pfizer and Biontech SE shots provide a high level of protection against infection and illness after a single dose.

Initial data in medical workers show one dose of the vaccine reduces the risk of infection by more than 70% - or 85% after the second dose - according to Public Health England. The findings suggest the shot helps interrupt transmission, yet it’s unclear how much, officials said.

“We’re showing that not only are you reducing symptomatic infection, you are reducing the number of those with asymptomatic infection as well,” Susan Hopkins, strategic response director to the health authority in England.

The data in Scotland showed vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalisation by more than 80%. The Pfizer vaccine also appeared to stop the vast majority of recipients in Israel from becoming infected, according to a draft publication confirmed by a person familiar with the work.

UK plans to reopen: PM

In a statement to parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all schools in England will reopen from March 8. People will be allowed to meet one-on-one to sit down for a coffee or picnic outdoors, officials said. From March 29, gatherings of either six people or two households can take place outdoors.