WHO backs Oxford COVID-19 vaccine

The World Health Organisation recommends using the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca even in countries tackling new strains of coronavirus.

Some new forms of the virus appear to make vaccines less effective.

The WHO also says the vaccine can be used in people aged over 65, which some countries have advised against.

It advises that spacing out the two doses, as is happening in the UK, makes the vaccine more effective.

BBC News reports the Oxford vaccine is seen as the "vaccine for the world" as it is cheap, can be mass-produced and is stored in a standard fridge.

However, it has attracted controversy about its effectiveness against new strains, whether it should be used in the elderly and how far apart the doses should be given, due to a lack of data.

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization says the vaccine is 63% effective overall.

[Source: BBC]