AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Guide: Is It One Shot? What Are The Side Effects?

It’s no surprise that every news outlet you turn on blasts news about deaths, restrictions and vaccines, as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third lockdown phase in most places. The AstraZeneca vaccine has become the latest culprit of the COVID-19 saga, with a number of countries having suspended it following reports of possible blood clots after people received the first batch of vaccine.

As other vaccines make their way, instilling confidence in governments and the public, it seems that AstraZeneca is unable to salvage the eroding confidence in its vaccine. In a press release published on Monday morning, the company announced that the trial, which included more than 32,000 participants in Chile, Peru and the United States, had shown the vaccine to have 79 percent efficacy at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

The question remains: do the benefits of the vaccine still outweigh the risks, despite the possible link to rare blood clots with low blood platelets?

After the suspension of the vaccine the pharmaceutical company submitted the vaccine to the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee, which concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots (thromboembolic events) in those who receive it.

However, the vaccine may be associated with very rare cases of blood clots associated with thrombocytopenia, i.e. low levels of blood platelets (elements in the blood that help it to clot) with or without bleeding, including rare cases of clots in the vessels draining blood from the brain (CVST).

In the light of its findings, patients should be aware of the remote possibility of such syndromes, and if symptoms suggestive of clotting problems occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of their recent vaccination. Nevertheless, the vaccine has been cleared of all allegations and is ready to go out once again. Here’s everything you need to know:

Information for patients

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is not associated with an increased overall risk of blood clotting disorders. There have been very rare cases of unusual blood clots accompanied by low levels of blood platelets (components that help blood to clot) after vaccination. The reported cases were almost all in women under 55. Because COVID-19 can be so serious and is so widespread, the benefits of the vaccine in preventing it outweigh the risks of side effects.

Where is the AstraZeneca vaccine made?

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is made in the United Kingdom at two sites: in Oxford and Keele. A third plant in Wrexham puts the vaccine into vials and packages it up for distribution.

The UK has ordered 100 million doses. Almost all will come from within the UK, but 10 million doses are being made by the Serum Institute in India.

The company says supplies are coming mainly from the US and a site in Seneffe in Belgium. AstraZeneca is working with suppliers in 15 countries to make the vaccine. A site in Leiden in the Netherlands is also producing some vaccine, although the pharmaceutical company said it was not significant, according to the BBC.

Who is funding the AstraZeneca vaccine?

The British vaccine was mainly funded by Oxford University the research also received 65.5 million pounds in funding from the UK government. There was some other investment, but a University of Oxford spokesperson said it was difficult to untangle, because of the way research is funded.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dosage is two doses given intramuscularly (0.5ml each) with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks.

How efficacious is the vaccine?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09 percent against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

Does it work against new variants?

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has reviewed all available data on the performance of the vaccine in the settings of variants of concern. SAGE currently recommends the use of AZD1222 vaccine according to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap, even if virus variants are present in a country. Countries should assess the risks and benefits taking into consideration their epidemiological situation.

Preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. Find up to date information on the WHO website.