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Six Months of COVID Vaccines: What 1.7 Billion Doses Have Taught Scientists
Article

Six Months of COVID Vaccines: What 1.7 Billion Doses Have Taught Scientists

As countries race to administer coronavirus vaccines, researchers are analysing the effects while a rash of viral variants raises concern.

Nature, 2021


Editorial Rating

10

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Well Structured
  • Hot Topic

Recommendation

Now that six months have passed since COVID-19 vaccines were made available to the general public in the United States, scientists are collating data on their safety and effectiveness. They are finding that, just as the clinical trials suggested, the vaccines are safe and exceptionally effective at preventing illness. Some elicit dangerous side effects, but these are rare and pale in comparison to the dangers of getting COVID-19.

Take-Aways

  • COVID-19 vaccines work remarkably well.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are quite effective, even against variants.
  • Protection against disease lasts for at least six months.

About the Author

Heidi Ledford is a senior reporter for Nature in London. She writes about biology and medicine.