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COVID-19

Volunteers on Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine Trial Share Side Effects

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Volunteers on the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine trial describe side effects comparable to a flu jab, with one comparing them to "a severe hangover". The double-blind trial, conducted by Pfizer and BioNTech, has seen over 43,500 people in six countries take part, with the vaccine showing over 90% effectiveness in preventing infection. Participants, who have signed up for their civic duty, express pride in their contribution to finding a solution to the pandemic, which has caused widespread suffering.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carrie, a 45-year-old from Missouri, suffered a headache, fever, and aches over her body after receiving the first shot, and more severe side effects after the second.
  • Glenn Deshields, a lobbyist from Texas, compared the side effects to "a severe hangover".
  • Bryan, an engineer from Georgia, believes he was given the placebo and came down with Covid-19 shortly after his daughter caught it.
  • Bryan, 42, expressed "little bit of pride" on hearing the positive news and acknowledged that taking part in the study was "the least I could do to help out".
  • The trial is double-blind, meaning participants do not know if they are receiving the vaccine or a placebo.
  • Over 43,500 people in six countries have taken part in the phase three trial.
  • The vaccine has shown over 90% effectiveness in preventing infection.
  • Each participant will need two doses for the vaccine to work effectively.
  • Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer expects the vaccine to be a yearly or seasonal jab as the immunity could wane over time.
  • The NHS is leading the work to get the vaccine to those most in need as soon as possible, with the armed services on standby to provide the vaccine from the start of December.

Statistics:

  • Over 43,500 people have taken part in the phase three trial in six countries.
  • The vaccine has shown over 90% effectiveness in preventing infection.
  • Each participant will need two doses for the vaccine to work effectively.
  • Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer expects the vaccine to be a yearly or seasonal jab as the immunity could wane over time.
  • 2021: Most people will not get a jab until 2021, with priority given to those in care homes, the elderly, and health and social care staff.
  • 70-80%: Professor Sir John Bell's prediction that the Government will not "screw up" vaccine distribution.

Sources:

  • Mirrror.co.uk
  • PA Media
  • Sky News
  • Press Association
  • Reuters
  • Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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