Wizard of AZ
HAS the saying “No good deed goes unpunished” ever been more fitting than for the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab’s makers?
The not-for-profit British vaccine is cheaper and more resilient than its rivals, yet has been the subject of EU leaders’ hysterical scaremongering and wilful misinterpretation of the data on extremely rare possible side-effects.
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But now a study of over-80s suggests that one dose of the AZ jab triggers a T-cell immune response three times as strong and in nearly three times as many recipients as its Pfizer competitor.
As T-cells are more adaptable than antibodies in fighting off different variants of Covid, this may prove crucial.
The study also vindicated the UK’s much-derided decision to delay second doses and prioritise rapid rollout of the first dose as widely as possible.
But even as the findings emerged yesterday, Denmark was halting its own use of the Oxford jab.
With their rock-bottom Covid death rates, perhaps the Danes can afford to be so choosy.
Other countries who could now be tempted to follow their lead like lemmings may not be so lucky.
Jet, set, go!
THE prospect of Brits being allowed a foreign holiday this summer seems to have been on and off more often than a Greek waiter’s trousers.
But an end for the saga finally seems in sight after aviation minister Robert Courts’ declaration that a list of approved destinations should be revealed early next month.
Yes, he advises Brits to hold off booking for now — but easyJet boss Johan Lundgren’s tub-thumping confidence in firing up his fleet is reassuring.
One thing’s for sure though: for the sake of the travel industry and holidaymakers alike there can be no more shilly-shallying from the Government.
A record £40billion boom in stay- cations suggests some Brits have already thrown in the beach towel, while the potential added cost of Covid tests required for travel — at up to £120 a pop — is another hurdle to overcome.
The sooner ministers can make firm decisions on clearing us for take-off, the better for everyone.
Hooking up
AFTER 300,000 years of fumbling guesswork, the question “What do women want?” has finally been answered — and the good news for men is it’s fairly simple.
Angling, rocking, shallowing and pairing are the four activities that are most integral to female happiness, according to a major new study.
But before you get your fishing waders out, chaps, you may want to read the full report here.
Turns out it’s not that sort of angling . . . although you’ll still need some tackle.
