The Oxford vaccine may have a “substantial effect” on coronavirus transmission, according to a new report.
Data released by the University of Oxford found a 67 per cent reduction in positive swabs among those vaccinated after just one dose.
The report, which is yet to be peer reviewed, is the first estimate of the impact the vaccine might have transmission rates across Scotland.
Researchers also found that the first dose of the job can offer protection of 76 per cent up to three months.
Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said that the results were “very encouraging”.
Tweeting this morning, he said: “Feels like a while since I’ve been able to highlight good news, but the latest trial data on the Oxford-AZ vaccine made my shoulders relax just a little today; this little nugget on transmission is very encouraging.”
Results from the study also found the efficacy from two standard doses of the vaccine administered three months apart is 82.4 per cent.
The University of Oxford said that it hopes to have data on the new variants in the coming days.
Experts expect the findings to be “broadly similar” to those already reported by fellow vaccine developers.
US pharmaceutical company Moderna said that its vaccine appears to work against the new and more infections variants of Covid-19 first discovered in the UK and South Africa.
More than 600,000 Scots have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine so far - it is unclear how many have been given the Oxford jab.
The Scottish Government hopes to vaccinate 400,000 Scots per week by the end of February.
