AstraZeneca vaccine is 79% effective in U.S. trial

New York, March 24 (RHC)-- AstraZeneca says its COVID-19 vaccine showed 79% efficacy against symptomatic disease among participants in a large clinical trial in the United States.  The vaccine was 100% effective in preventing serious illness and death. 

The findings pave the way for a fourth vaccine to request emergency use authorization in the United States.  The trial also showed no increased risk of serious blood clotting, after more than a dozen countries this month suspended or delayed its use over such concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say one in six U.S. adults has now been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Mississippi and Alaska have opened vaccine eligibility for anyone 16 or older.  Floridians over 50 can be vaccinated beginning immediately.