Vaccine Efficacy against new variants: Alejandro Caceres

 ‘Covid Variants and vaccine resistance: all you need to know’ is the title of an article published by the Guardian written by journalist Sarah Boseley. This work will cover, analyze and critique this article over the 5 next steps:

 

Description: To start off the article Boseley asks the question of which vaccines work against which strains of the virus. The article refers to studies done in the UK which showed that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine does not protect against infection but makes the symptoms less strong. Tests were made with other vaccines however, their efficacy never reached the above 90% mark which vaccines with the original strains did. Boseley quickly highlights that the new variation that popped up in Kent is covered by the Oxford vaccine which is the the one that is going to be administered across the UK. When talking on herd immunity the author quoted Proff. Shabir Madhi, who led several studies on the covid vaccines, who urged people that there must be a shift in mindset and not assume that everything will ever go back to normal.

Analysis: The article is structured to be informative and answer the questions we weren’t asking. This is clearly shown by the amount of questions throughout the articles. Moreover the tone is also informative, there is good use of statistics to showcase the differences in vaccine efficacy against newer variants. The language is used is in ‘layman's terms’ which is good for an article based on a subject highly scientific.

Interpretation: Bosely does a good job in clarifying what otherwise would be difficult data to swallow, the large amount of questions before certain paragraphs helps the reader follow the narrative while also being completely clear on the topic discussed. Moreover there is a good sense of awareness of the situation from the writer. Exemplified in how the writer asks follow up questions which she knew the reader would eventually be led to ask and even when there is no answer to the question Bosely explains why there is no answer “It’s not possible to make comparisons because we don’t have the detailed data” (Bosely, 2021)

Evaluation: I believe the intent behind this article is awareness which is something of utmost importance these days. The subject of vaccines is important in the UK because not only were a lot of politics involved around a vaccination plan but also there is constant uncertainty if the vaccines will work because of the newer, deadlier stains of viruses appearing in the UK . This article provides awareness and maybe some reassurance to the reader.

Engagement: Personally I believe this is what news media should look like, unbiased and informative. Helpful information when the times require it. There are a lot of ‘fake and biased news sources around the world. However this article shows what good reporting looks like. On the vaccine situation, I would’ve reported on it the same way, she quotes reliable sources like vaccine researchers and proffesors.

Boseley, S. (2021, February 07). Covid variants and VACCINE resistance: All you need to know. Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/07/covid-variants-and-vaccine-resistance-all-you-need-to-know