> Once the outcome disparity was noted, it's unimaginable that BOTH blunders would not be revealed: 1) low concentration in the first dose, and 2) exclusion of

> Once the outcome disparity was noted, it's unimaginable that BOTH blunders would not be revealed: 1) low concentration in the first dose, and 2) exclusion of age 55+ patients. The regulator was aware at every step and recommended Oxford should continue the study with the half dose. > The Italian manufacturers used a different technique to Oxford to check the concentration of the vaccine - effectively how many viral particles are floating in each dose. When the Oxford scientists used their method, it appeared that the Italian vaccine was double strength. What to do? Calls were made to the medical regulators. It was agreed that volunteers should be given a half measure of the vaccine, on the basis that it was likely to equate to something more like a regular dose. This was partly a safety issue - they preferred to give them too little rather than too much. > But after a week, the scientists became aware that something unusual was going on. The volunteers were getting none of the usual side-effects - such as sore arms or fever. About 1,300 volunteers had only received a half-dose of the vaccine, rather than a full one. The independent regulators said the trial should continue and that the half-dose group could remain in the study. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55308216 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55308216 The amount of speculation in this thread is appalling.