Preclinical data suggest Oxford vaccine could reduce COVID-19 symptoms, won’t provide herd immunity

Preclinical data from a leading COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Oxford University suggest that it may be more like the flu vaccine than the smallpox jab, reducing the severity of symptoms but not preventing infection.

Such a vaccine could help individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 avoid pneumonia and the downward spiral that all too frequently leads to a ventilator. It would save lives, especially among the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and people with diabetes and other health conditions that put them at high risk of succumbing to COVID-19. ...