Chinese COVID-19 vaccine shows only 50.4 percent overall efficacy in Brazil trial
Brazilian researchers said on Jan. 12 that the general efficacy rate of China’s Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine fell to 50.38 percent when including “very mild” cases. The latest rate adds to the skepticism about the Chinese vaccine. Turkey has reported a different efficacy rate and plans to begin administering the vaccine this week.
Duvar English
Brazilian researchers testing China’s Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine said on Jan. 12 that full data showed it to be 50.38 percent effective against the virus in late-stage trials, almost 30 percentage points lower than previously announced.
At a press conference, Sao Paulo state officials and researchers from Butantan Institute said that the latest rate included data from all volunteers, including those who contracted “very mild” cases of COVID-19 and required no medical assistance.
Officials said that last week's 78 percent was calculated considering the mild, moderate and severe cases.
The latest rate adds to the skepticism about the Chinese vaccine. Turkey, which is also testing the shot, has reported a different efficacy rate and plans to begin administering the vaccine this week.
Turkish researchers had said in December that China's Sinovac vaccine was 91.25 percent effective, basing their report on interim data from a late-stage trial in Turkey.