As a starting point, when it is said that a vaccine has been shown to be n% effective, what does that actually mean?
- n% of the population cannot catch Covid-19, but 100-n% can
- n% of the population might catch it but will not be symptomatic, whereas 100-n% will be symptomatic
- n% of the population will not be hospitalised, whereas 100-n% could be
- n% of the population might catch it but will not die, whereas 100-n% could die
- each individual is n% protected from Covid-19 so probably won't be too unwell if they do catch it
- Something else - what?
With the positive news on vaccines, a Public Health plan to open up further makes sense, despite increasing case numbers. However if one has, for example, a 15% chance of still catching Covid and being very unwell and potentially dying, then high case number might lead one to make a personal decision to remain very cautious.
So, how does one assess individual risk? I don't see much clarity on that.
C