Epidemiologist Dr Zoe Hyde warns AstraZeneca may have ‘little protection’ against Omicron

Blasting the premature lifting of restrictions, a doctor has shared sobering information on just how protected double-jabbed people actually are.

Top Australian doctor, Dr Zoe Hyde has issued a warning to people who have been vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, stating that there’s “little protection” against symptomatic infection.

This is despite someone having two doses of the vaccine, with protection against severe disease also dropping.

“Data from the UK confirm that two vaccine doses now provide little protection from symptomatic infection caused by the omicron variant,” she shared.

“More concerning still, protection from severe disease is likely also reduced to some degree, particularly after six months.”

Data from the UK confirm that 2 vaccine doses now provide little protection from symptomatic infection caused by the omicron variant.

More concerning still, protection from severe disease is likely also reduced to some degree, particularly after 6 months.https://t.co/wXZ5OJ2mop

— Dr Zoë Hyde (@DrZoeHyde) December 16, 2021

Early analysis from the UK Health Security Agency found that data from 581 Omicron cases and thousands of Delta cases showed a dramatic drop in effectiveness for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and a significant drop off for two doses of Pfizer when it came to protection against the mutated strain.

While the study found that a booster offered 75 per cent protection against Covid symptoms, the protection wasn’t as strong as it is against other variants.

Head of immunisation at the UKHSA Dr Mary Ramsay said that while the results were preliminary, it does show that the Omicron variant may be more transmissible.

“These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain,” she said

“We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of Covid-19, so if you haven’t yet had your first two doses please book an appointment straight away.”

The UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, Dr Susan Hopkins also told The Guardian that the results suggested that two vaccine doses administered more than three months ago was “not going to prevent you from getting symptomatic disease”.

Studies on the vaccine protection against the Omicron variant suggest boosters are needed for improved protection. Picture: Brenton Edwards/NCA NewsWire

While booster shots are not mandatory, the Department of Health highly recommends a third dose to strengthen the vaccine’s protection against the severe symptoms and infection from the virus. Australians are eligible for a Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) booster after they’ve had their second vaccine dose at least five months ago.

The waiting times between the second and third dose was previously six months, however the federal government announced it would be fast tracked to five months on Sunday.

“A booster dose, five or more months after the second dose, will make sure that the protection from the primary course is even stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent spread of the virus,” said Health Minister Greg Hunt.

“Data from Israel shows boosters supporting reductions in the rate of infection in eligible age groups, severe disease in those aged over 40 years and deaths in those over 60 years.”

Studies on Omicron and vaccine doses strongly encouraged a third vaccine dose to increase protection against the new variant. Picture: Brenton Edwards/NCA NewsWire

Dr Hyde has been an adamant critic of relaxed restrictions in light of growing cases, especially in NSW where cases reached a pandemic peak of 2213 cases.

In an earlier tweet, she questioned the lifting of public health measures, including the mask mandate.

“Why, in this context, would the government of NSW further lift public health measures, such as the mask mandate?” she tweeted.

“It’s not safe to do this before 3rd doses, and all but guarantees a huge Omicron epidemic, overwhelming the hospital system and consigning many people to long Covid.”

Why, in this context, would the government of NSW further lift public health measures, such as the mask mandate?

It’s not safe to do this before 3rd doses, and all but guarantees a huge omicron epidemic, overwhelming the hospital system and consigning many people to long COVID.

— Dr Zoë Hyde (@DrZoeHyde) December 16, 2021

The state’s Premier, Dominic Perrottet, downgraded the compulsory wearing of masks to high-risk settings (like public transport, airports and hospitals), making them optional in retail and hospitality (unless staff are unvaccinated) settings.

However, in doing so, he urged people to take “personal responsibility,” while speaking at Thursday’s press conference.

“We’ve taken the advice into account, it’s always a balance in terms of the approach the government takes and that’s the decision I’ve made,” Mr Perrottet said.

“As we’re heading into this Christmas period … there’s no doubt shopping centres will be busier, we just say please take personal responsibility.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has been hesitant in implementing new restrictions in the lead up to Christmas and the holiday season. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone/NCA NewsWire

Chief health officer Doctor Kerry Chant, however, was more unwavering in recommending residents to continue to wear masks in indoor settings.

“I’m providing the public health advice, which is masks is an effective mitigant, whether its Omicron, Delta or the next variant,” she said.

“It’s a small price to pay, I know it can fog up glasses and it can be annoying, but it’s a very tiny act and you’re actually protecting yourself but more importantly you’re protecting others.”

Originally published as Epidemiologist Dr Zoe Hyde warns AstraZeneca may have ‘little protection’ against Omicron