The primary analysis of AstraZeneca/Oxford’s vaccine is likely to put pressure on other companies to demonstrate reductions in transmission as soon as possible, says GlobalData, a leading data, and analytics company.

Arafa Salam, Ph.D., Infectious Diseases Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the efficacy profile of Pfizer/BioNtech may be higher after the second dose, the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine demonstrated a reduction in transmissions, and healthcare providers are likely to be swayed. Of course, it is possible that other vaccines may have even more potent reductions in transmission, but more time will be needed for them to demonstrate this effect, which is all the better for AstraZeneca.

“Until this data is available, the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine is likely to see increased global uptake due to its impressive efficacy in reducing severe disease, hospitalization, and mortality, as well as reductions in transmission. This is especially supported by the vaccine’s low cost, which widens its scope.”

GlobalData expects that the low cost of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine – a whole $16 less per dose than the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine – will allow it to be used in low-income countries – where COVID-19 prevalence is high and access to expensive vaccines may be limited.

Salam concludes: “The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine is allowing the world to recover from the pandemic at a faster rate. As the vaccine sees a longer dose interval of 12 weeks, the increase in vaccine efficacy will allow for a higher proportion of individuals to be vaccinated and protected while waiting for their second dose. The higher efficacy after just one dose also means a reduced transmission among people who are waiting for the second.”