Original version

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC OS

News

BBC OS gives a vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC OS: 2021/02/08 16:06 GMT: Covid-19 variants and AstraZeneca

Discussion & Talk

Covid-19 variants and AstraZeneca

2021/02/08 16:06 GMT

2021/02/08 16:06 GMT: Covid-19 variants and AstraZeneca

BBC World Service - BBC OS, Covid-19 variants and AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca vaccine found to be less effective against the South African variant

South Africa has put its rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on hold after a study showed "disappointing" results against its new Covid variant. Scientists say the variant accounts for 90% of new Covid cases in South Africa.  A trial found that the vaccine wasn't effective in mild cases of the disease.  But experts are hopeful that the vaccine will still be effective at preventing severe cases.  We have the latest developments on the story from our reporter in South Africa.

Also on the programme, our regular coronavirus expert Dr Eleanor Murray, answering listener questions about the virus.

And we head to the Netherlands where there's been a decision to freeze international adoptions. This follows a report by a government commission that's revealed abuses in the adoption system.  We talk to a local journalist there.

(Photo: Newspaper billboards in Johannesburg, South Africa, February 8, 2021. Credit Reuters/Sumaya Hisham)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

BBC OS

2021/02/08 16:06 GMT: Covid-19 variants and AstraZeneca

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service