Pfizer vaccine works!! 90% effective

[WindChimeTinkle]

Fucking brilliant news. I could cry.

I'm CEV, over 55 and would normally be frontline NHS. (I have taken myself away from face to face work right now).

I would have a jab in a heartbeat. I only didn't go for the experimental ones, in case there was a better one in the pipeline, and it would stop me getting that.

It's not all done and dusted, but it's fab news.

Squiffany- minus 80 freezers are standard lab equipment. I just googled and they are about £5k to £10k. I suppose they will have to buy or borrow enough, but they’ve known for months that they will be needed so hopefully that’s already in hand

I would have it without hesitation, not vulnerable myself but I miss my parents and mil who are in their 80s.

Also, storage at minus80 will be an interesting concept. How will that work in reality?

It's a logistical issue that I imagine they would rather not have to deal with but it's not going to be insurmountable here in the UK. The good news is that of this vaccine works then it's likely others will too and then I expect poorer countries really will need a less needy vaccine.

Remember too that it's in Pfizer's best issues to make the logistics of storage etc work.

@thaegumathteth

Remember too that it's in Pfizer's best issues to make the logistics of storage etc work.

True. Although, I know our current drug fridges are ermmm....temperamental......at the best of times. I’ve had to send a whole fridge full back to pharmacy on more than one occasion.

So, my (very limited) understanding is that mRNA vaccines have never been used on humans before now? Am I wrong?

The best news, such a relief at last.

@Firefliess

It's fantastic news 🙂. Of course we don't know how long immunity lasts, but I'm not really fussed if we all have to have a jab once a year to maintain immunity.

It will, and must, mean a return to normality gradually over the next year.

Problem is it may well not last a year, we won’t know how long it will last until that much time has passed and we see if those vaccinated start getting covid. If it doesn’t last longer than three months it won’t be practicle.

I teared up as well, I'm just so very happy! This means other vaccines stand a good chance of being very effective too.

And no, I am not clinically vulnerable... but my parents are, my mother in law is, one of my closest friends is. I would like to spend time with them indoors again in the near future.

I would also rather avoid getting something that causes flu-like illness. I've had proper flu twice in my life and it was horrible, I don't want it ever again if I can avoid it.

Really pleased over here. Will be first in the queue..!

@Squiffany

So, my (very limited) understanding is that mRNA vaccines have never been used on humans before now? Am I wrong?

You are wrong, they just tested them on 43000 people.

The minus 80 thing is a pretty big hurdle. I can’t imagine every GP surgery getting one, so it will need to be given at larger centres. And that will be slow, because of distancing. It’s just about possible that you could store a few doses on dry ice from a centrally located freezer for a few hours, but again that’s expensive. It’s not insurmountable but it adds a layer of complexity that really doesn’t help. And also it’s a 2 dose vaccine, so it will be about a month from first dose to some kind of immunity. But it’s definitely good news

Sorry, I misread. Scrap that.

Some good information on mRNA vaccines
horizon-magazine.eu/article/five-things-you-need-know-about-mrna-vaccines.html

@RuthW

You all seem very keen to have it. Are you all from the very vulnerable group?

I'm in cev but won't be choosing to have it. It's too much of a risk for me. Nontheless this is great news

The point is, there is a possible vaccine and with it being the effective to start off with adjustments can be made to improve it. And if Pfizer have found it no doubt others aren’t too far behind.

It is excellent news for the opportunity for an end to what we currently have to live with, for the stock market and therefore jobs.

Obviously some people will be sceptical, but it’s hope where we’ve had none and that frankly is the most important thing at this juncture :)

great news i'm cv but would be nervous about having this until much later so wouldn't have it as soon as it was offered.

@RuthW

You all seem very keen to have it. Are you all from the very vulnerable group?

nope But my parents are in their 80s and it would mean I could go and see them whenever I want to and not worry about passing on a virus that could kill them.

I don't know about everyone else but my social media is dead with regards this issue. I'm so excited, it's such huge news but there just doesn't seem to be any chatter about it.

This is the beginning of the end. It will take a good while to roll out and it won't save every life but we are through the worst. I can't understand the silence.

We just tuned into an "alas!"

Can I ask out of genuine curiosity what is the risk, do you think, that would put you off?

Huge advancement and wondeful news but what about the mink mutation.

Vapour phase dewars are probably a better option than dry ice for transferring to e.g. GP surgeries.

It depends exactly how unstable the mRNA is during storage, there are ways of improving the stability (lipid encapsulation etc) but I don't know what Pfizer has used. Are we taking about taking it out of -80C immediately prior to use or it breaks down or is is e.g. not stable for long term storage at -30C but stable at 2-8C for a few hours. Those would require very different handling.

Is the vaccine in phase 3 trials already?