Two jabs DO work on Indian variant

Cautious experts say cut wait to just 8 weeks - England passes 50m doses given landmark

- JOHN SIDDLE and STEPHEN HAYWARD

VACCINES are “highly effective” against the mutant Indian strain, scientists revealed last night.

Two doses of Pfizer or AstraZeneca deliver only slightly less protection than against the dominant Kent strain, Public Health England announced.

But some experts warned the Indian variant – predicted to grow and trigger a third wave – could still plunge the Government roadmap into doubt.

PHE figures show the Pfizer vaccine is 88% effective against symptoms of the Indian variant after a second shot, and 93% against the Kent variant.