I think the big news for all Canadians today on the vaccine front is that the AstraZeneca vaccine was approved. We apparently have 20 million doses ordered.
Looking at the numbers, I'm not sure what to think of it. I would note that Health Canada has pointed out that some places have not allowed its use in those over 65. Health Canada regulators have said that the results are too limited to allow an estimated efficiency in those over 65. There seems to be a note of caution about its use for those over 65.
Now its efficacy seems to be a matter of question. The initial trials, I think, showed 62% generally, but when you used half the first dose, it was up to 90%. I see Health Canada is suggesting right now that it's 62% and WHO says 63% after eight to twelve weeks. However, there have been a number of studies reporting that after eight to twelve weeks with one dose, efficacy is 76% to 82%. This is perhaps somewhat confusing.
Here's the biggest number and the most interesting study, which doesn't seem to be that well reported. I think maybe the most significant evidence, apparently, is coming out of Scotland where they have over a million people vaccinated and over 400,000 people have received the AstraZeneca vaccine. They're reporting 94% reduction in hospitalization of those having had the AstraZeneca vaccine. That's surprisingly lower than those who had the Pfizer one. Moreover, those numbers for AstraZeneca's preventing hospitalization were of those aged over 80 years old, primarily.
Maybe we can start with Dr. Langley and Dr. Scott-Douglas from the task force, on Pfizer or on AstraZeneca and specifically its use in the elderly. Where is this going to slot in if we're not going to use it in the elderly?