Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: All you should know about it

The South African government confirmed the shipment of one million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced in India, and another half million are expected later this month.

While’s there’s been controversial talks about the vaccine, it’s highly recommended to have a full knowledge of it.

WHAT IS THE OXFORD-ASTRAZENECA VACCINE ?

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, codenamed AZD1222, is a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. It is administered through an intramuscular injection, using a vector, the modified chimpanzee adenovirus, ChAdOx1.

Oxford Vaccine Group, Oxford University’s Jenner Institute, with the Italian manufacturer Advent Srl collaborated in the development of the vaccine. And later produced the first batch which was used for clinical testing.

IS IT APPROVED ?

Yes. It was approved on the 30th of December 2020, by the MHRA (the UK’s regulatory body). Hospitals administered the first doses to older patients early in January 2021.

HOW DOES THE OXFORD VACCINE WORK ?

Research has shown it is highly effective. No one given the vaccine in trials developed severe Covid or needed hospital treatment. According to the study, one AZD1222 dosing regimen registered an efficacy of 90% when administered in half doses followed by a full dose a month later. Another dosing regimen recorded 62% efficacy when two full doses of AZD1222 were administered one month apart.

“The results show that the vaccine is effective against COVID-19, with in particular no severe infections and no hospitalisations in the vaccine group,” said AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GET THE OXFORD-ASTRAZENECA VACCINE ?

It was reported that Clinical trials for AZD1222 focused on people from age 18 – 64 years. According to the analysis, older people have significantly fewer side effects because an older person’s immune system does not react strongly to vaccines. Trials among children were halted in mid-December 2020.

SIDE EFFECTS OF THE VACCINE

It is worthy to note that note everyone experience the same side effect, as it varies.
Common side effects are:

Headaches
Fever
Chills
Tiredness
Pain and swelling in your arm (where you get the jab)
Uncommon side effects are:

Enlarged lymph nodes
Dizziness
Decreased appetite
Excessive sweating
Itchy skin or rash
Abdominal pain
HOW MUCH IS THE VACCINE ?

The United Kingdom-made vaccine is significant because it is cheaper than the other two major shots being produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is available at a much cheaper price of around £3 ($4).

STORAGE

The vaccine can be stored, transported and handled for at least six months at 2-8 degrees Celsius (35-46F).