Coronavirus News Roundup: A Look at ‘Vaccine Arm’; AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine Data Update

The COVID-19 vaccination effort is picking up the pace in the US, with over 133.31 million administered doses and 14.2% of the population fully vaccinated against the virus as of March 25.

This week, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) shared concerns over outdated data from AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. Separately, some vaccine recipients have reported adverse effects, including a delayed large local reaction, from the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

AstraZeneca Reports Up-to-Date COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Results

AstraZeneca published an up-to-date analysis on Thursday of its phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial data for AZD1222, overturning earlier data that was announced on Monday.

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Study Examines Role of Flu Vaccine in COVID-19 Infection Rates, Severity

A recent study looked at the role of the influenza vaccine in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.

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Independent Review Board Shares Concerns Over Outdated Data in AstraZeneca COVID-19 Clinical Trial

The DSMB has shared concerns about data from AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial, notifying the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and the pharmaceutical company.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients Experiencing Delayed 'Vaccine Arm' Reaction

While the COVID-19 vaccine is currently being rolled out, some vaccine recipients are experiencing adverse effects, one of which includes a delayed large local reaction.

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AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine Data Show 79% Efficacy Against Symptomatic Disease

New interim data from AstraZeneca showed that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate had a 79% efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic cases in adults, with an 80% efficacy in those aged 65 and older, the company announced.

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CDC Report: Most Individuals Complete 2-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Series

Most COVID-19 vaccine recipients complete the second dose of their series within the recommended interval, according to new findings published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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