Efficacy and landscape of Covid-19 vaccines: a review article

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Jan;67(3):474-478. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210073.

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid advance of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has led to the incessant search for therapeutic and prophylactic measures to fight the pandemic. Because it is a viral infection, the safest long-term prophylactic form, in addition to social distance and hygiene, is the vaccine.

Objective: Thus, this study aimed at conducting a review of the efficacy and landscape of Covid-19 vaccines.

Methods: The following electronic databases were used MEDLINE via PubMed, SCIELO, LILACS, NEJM, and Clinical Trials. Our study includes the 7 vaccines (phase 3) that reported an efficacy rate for Covid-19, including characteristics inherent to each one of them.

Results: Preliminary studies have shown that, although an efficacy ≥70% is necessary to eliminate the infection, a prophylactic vaccine with efficacy <70% will still have an important impact and can contribute to the elimination of the virus, provided that appropriate measures of social distancing remain.

Conclusions: The effectiveness of the vaccines obtained in this study varied between 50.38 and 95%, data that may represent a reduction in serious cases, hospitalizations, sequels, and deaths caused by Covid-19, respecting the panorama presented in this article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines*
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Physical Distancing
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines