According to Dr Gérard Schockmel, infectious disease expert at the Robert Schuman Hospitals, this would be “spectacular”, should the result be confirmed. An expert in his field, Dr Schockmel researched RNA viruses at the universities of Oxford and Geneva.
In regard to the 90% effectiveness, which would significantly surpass the effectiveness of the annual flu shot, Dr Schockmel notes that this is still a preliminary result from an ongoing study. In addition, there are substantial differences between vaccinating participants in a scientific study and vaccinating people in real life.
Another major challenge comes in the form of storing the coronavirus vaccine. It requires a constant temperature of -80 °C, from its production right up until injection. This means that contrary to the flu vaccine, the coronavirus vaccine cannot be stored at any local chemists.
Dr Schockmel pointed out that there are still many unanswered questions in regard to this new vaccine: Will it also protect risk groups? Will vaccinated people still be able to transmit the virus? How long will it grant immunity? Will it have any side effects?
In the meantime, the European Commission has concluded its negotiations with BioNTech/Pfizer, and the purchase contract is expected to be signed within the upcoming days: 200 million doses of the vaccine with an option for an additional 100 million.
Each vaccination will require two doses of the vaccine, i.e. two syringes.
The entire interview with Dr Schockmel will be aired on RTL Télé on Tuesday evening.
Coronavirus vaccine results fuel hopes for return to normal - RTL Today
