Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine shows a strong immune response in older adults in their 60s and 70s, according to the latest results, peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet. This study is based on phase two findings where 560 healthy adult volunteers were observed.

Experts have labeled the results 'encouraging'.

Currently, larger phase 3 trials are ongoing and early results from phase 3 is awaited.

In India, phase 2/3 trials for the Oxford vaccine are currently on in collaboration with Serum Institute of India, the Indian manufacturers of the vaccine. Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, the two vaccines that have already released early data from phase 3 trials, Oxford is most promising for India.

Prof Andrew Pollard, lead author from the Jenner Institute at Oxford, said he was delighted with the results even in those above 90, reports BBC. he expects the phase 3 data to be released by Christmas.

Why Are the Results Important?

Older people generally tend to have weaker immune systems, and generally the vaccines tend not to do as well in younger people. This study indicated that older adults in the age group of 56-69 and over 70 has similar immune response as younger adults 18-55.

According to The Lancet report, more than 99% of participants across age groups had neutralising antibody responses two weeks after the second dose.

The T-cell response peaked two weeks after the first dose of the vaccine.

No serious safety issues were observed.

For the trials, volunteers were split into two groups. One set was given one or two doses of the vaccine, the other was given a placebo.

Why is this Vaccine Important for India?

Serum Institute is already producing 40-50 million doses of the vaccine per month in India. They've said they'll reserve half of their vaccines for India.

Research by Credit Suisse has predicted that the three vaccines India is banking on right now are: Oxford/AstraZeneca, Novavax and J&J, as their temperature range is 2-8-degree Celsius. Moderna or Pfizer do not feature in the list, the bottleneck being cold storage infrastructure (especially refrigerated vans).