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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. The consent was also given by the European Commission. This preparation is administered in two doses, the effectiveness is about 60%. What else do we know about her?
- The European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion on the authorization of the coronavirus vaccine developed by scientists from the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca
- Clinical trials have shown 60 percent. the effectiveness of this vaccine
- The preparation is administered in two doses. The patient should receive the second dose between 4 and 12 weeks after the first injection
- AstraZeneca is expected to supply up to 400 million doses of the vaccine to EU countries. Poland is to receive 16 million doses from this pool
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
AstraZeneca – how effective is it?
The AstraZeneca vaccine is the third vaccine approved for marketing in the European Union, after the preparations of BioNTech / Pfizer and Moderna.
Detailed information on this preparation has been published on the website of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products (URPL). We read there, among other things, that in clinical trials the vaccine showed about 60 percent. effectiveness. Most of the participants in these studies were between the ages of 18 and 55.
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However, “there was not enough data in older participants (over 55 years of age) to determine how well the vaccine would work in this group. However, protection is expected given that the immune response is observed in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines (…) EMA scientific experts concluded that the vaccine can be used in the elderly ».
The temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius is sufficient for its transport and storage; can be kept in a refrigerator for at least 6 months.
How is AstraZeneca given?
AstraZeneca is given in two doses. The patient should receive the second dose between 4 and 12 weeks after the first injection. The vaccine is given as a 0,5 ml injection into the muscle (most often the upper arm).
After administration of the vaccine, the patient should be observed for approximately 15 minutes to monitor for signs of an allergic reaction.
AstraZeneca – how does it work?
Astra Zeneca is a vector vaccine, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are mRNA types. It contains a modified virus, however, it is not a coronavirus, but an adenovirus. Adenoviruses cause infections of the upper respiratory tract and enter the body via airborne droplets, similar to SARS-CoV-2.
The preparation works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19. The adenovirus contains the gene that produces the SARS-CoV-2 protein “S” protein. It is a protein found on the surface of the SARSCoV-2 virus that the virus needs to enter the cells of the human body.
Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccine? Do you want to share your experiences of taking the vaccine? Write to us: [email protected]
When administered, the vaccine delivers the SARS-CoV-2 virus gene to the body’s cells. The cells will use the gene to produce the “S” protein. A person’s immune system will recognize this protein as foreign and will produce antibodies and activate T lymphocytes (white blood cells) to attack them. When a vaccinated person develops the SARS-CoV-2 virus, their immune system recognizes it and is ready to defend the body.
AstraZeneca – side effects
Vaccine side effects from clinical trials were usually mild to moderate and resolved within a few days after vaccination. The most common symptoms are: injection site pain and tenderness, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, general malaise, chills, feverjoint pain and nausea – occurred in more than 10 percent subjects. Vomiting and diarrhea occurred in less than 10 percent. Loss of appetite, dizziness, sweating, abdominal pain and rash occurred in less than 1% of the subjects tested.
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AstraZeneca and pregnancy
Preliminary animal studies do not indicate harmful effects on pregnancy, however, data from the use of AstraZeneca during pregnancy are very limited. There is also no information on breastfeeding, but the manufacturer does not assume any risk related to breastfeeding. However, the decision to use the vaccine in pregnant women should be made after close consultation with your doctor.
This may interest you:
- Where can I get vaccinated against COVID-19? List of vaccination points
- What does the COVID-19 vaccination look like? [WE EXPLAIN]
- Types of COVID-19 Vaccines. How is vector different from mRNA vaccine? [WE EXPLAIN]
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