The "efficacy against severe disease" stunt is one of the craziest inventions of the pandemic. I just looked up the previous version of the TPP: "At least 70% efficacy (on population basis, with consistent results in the elderly). Endpoint may be assessed vs. disease, severe disease, and/or shedding/transmission." Choice of endpoint is not the same as "protection against". Even for a vaccine that protects against infection, it may be much easier to measure effect on severe disease. On the other hand, how is a vaccine that does not at all protect against infection (i.e., reproduction of the virus in the body) supposed to prevent severe disease?
The "efficacy against severe disease" stunt is one of the craziest inventions of the pandemic. I just looked up the previous version of the TPP: "At least 70% efficacy (on population basis, with consistent results in the elderly). Endpoint may be assessed vs. disease, severe disease, and/or shedding/transmission." Choice of endpoint is not the same as "protection against". Even for a vaccine that protects against infection, it may be much easier to measure effect on severe disease. On the other hand, how is a vaccine that does not at all protect against infection (i.e., reproduction of the virus in the body) supposed to prevent severe disease?
Great work. I look forward to your subsequent articles.