Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to latest data on antibodies from the ONS Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to some European countries pausing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine over fears of blood clotting
A series of European countries have paused their roll out of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Dr Pauline Paterson, Assistant … read more
expert reaction to news that Germany has halted vaccinations with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
It has been reported that Germany have now halted the administration of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following reports of adverse … read more
expert reaction to a report from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee about Government data transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic
The House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee have published a report calling for improved data transparency in … read more
expert reaction to reports that Ireland has suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
There have been reports that the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been suspended in the Republic of Ireland … read more
expert reaction to observational study on transmission of COVID-19 in households of vaccinated healthcare workers
Public Health Scotland (PHS) have published an observational study on the transmission of COVID-19 in households of vaccinated healthcare workers. … read more
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rates estimates, as published by the government
The government have published the latest estimates for the COVID-19 R number and growth rates. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, … read more
expert reaction to Novavax announcement that their vaccine has high efficacy
Novavax have published a press release stating that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown high levels of efficacy against original … read more
expert reaction to reported Italy pause of a batch of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution after two deaths in Sicily
It has been reported that Italy has paused vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a precaution following the deaths … read more
expert reaction to four more cases of the P.1 Brazilian Variant of Concern being found in England, plus a new Variant Under Investigation (VUI) designated in the UK
Public Health England (PHE) have released a statement that four more cases of the P.1 variant have been identified in … read more
expert reaction to press release from Pfizer on real-world data from Israel including data on asymptomatic infection, symptomatic disease, severe disease and death
Pfizer have published a press release stating that real-world evidence confirms high effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Dr … read more
expert reaction to the EMA recommending the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for authorisation in the EU
It has been announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the single-dose Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine for authorisation in … read more
expert reaction to reports that Denmark has paused vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution after some reports of blood clots
There have been reports that vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is suspended until further notice in Denmark after reports … read more
Q&A on vaccine manufacturing
The backdrop to successful COVID-19 vaccine development and roll out is the ability to manufacture vaccines quickly and at scale. … read more
expert reaction to press release from Vir Biotechnology and GSK announcing results of their VIR-7831 antibody drug looking at hospitalisations and deaths with COVID-19
Vir Biotechnology and GSK have published a press release stating that their monoclonal antibody drug VIR-7831 reduces hospitalisation and risk … read more
expert reaction to preprint looking at antibody immune response following one dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in cancer patients
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, looks at the safety and immune-efficacy of 1 versus 2 doses of the … read more
expert reaction to new analysis on Lateral Flow Device specificity
A new analysis from the Department of Health and Social Care suggests that lateral flow tests (LFDs) have a specificity … read more
new study from ISARIC 4C looking at inflammatory markers for severe and fatal COVID-19
A new study from the ISARIC 4C and UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium teams, published this afternoon, looks at the key biological … read more
expert reaction to paper looking at mortality in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern B.1.1.7
A paper published in the BMJ compares mortality of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7, with those infected with … read more