It was created thanks to the collaboration between the Anglo-Swedish company AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. Its technical name is AZD1222, in India it is known as Covishield and, even if for a few days was renamed Vaxzevriama, is commonly known as AstraZeneca.
The most talked about Covid vaccine of all was one of the first to be developed and now, after receiving the green light from the EMA following some alleged side effects, it is ready to make up for lost ground. Here, below, 5 questions to tell everything there is to know about the AZD1222.
What are its main features?
AstraZeneca, unlike Pfizer-BioNTech, is not an mRna vaccine but a viral vector. It means that, in order to work, it uses a virus (to be precise an adenovirus) capable of contacting the genetic code of the proteina Spike del Sars-CoV-2 – the one responsible for the infection – with human cells. In such a case, the human organism activates the immune system and protects itself from the intended enemy.
For complete protection they are necessary two doses and, according to a US study, has aeffectiveness equal to 79%. The latest data, updated to 25 March, speak of an effectiveness of 76%, which becomes 85% for adults over 65. It is able to 100% prevent Covid in its most serious form, hospitalizations and deaths .
It can be kept in fridge at a temperature between 2 and 8 ° C for six months. Another strong point: the price. According to rumors spread by the international media and some institutional statements, each dose would cost less than 3 euros (against 10-15 of the competitors).
Which countries use it?
The geographical mosaic was influenced from the recent problems that have involved the AZD1222 on the European territory. Although the European Medicines Agency has “cleared” the AstraZeneca vaccine from the alleged negative effects caused by its administration, some European countries have not yet started using it again. In general, at the end of March, the AstraZeneca was licensed for over 80 nations. Green light in the European Union, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Not yet in the United States.
However, it must be emphasized, as anticipated, that some States have decided to to limit or even suspend use. Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, Iceland and Finland belong to the first group, limiting use to senior citizens only. The Netherlands has suspended it in its entirety at the moment, as have Thailand and Indonesia. Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have chosen, for now, not to use it.
What problems has the AstraZeneca vaccine had?
Over the past few weeks Cases of rare thrombosis seen in some people who have just been vaccinated with AstraZeneca. Net of a general psychosis, the numbers are almost negligible. In Great Britain, for example, we are talking about just 30 cases out of 18 million vaccinated (and 7 deaths); in Germany of 31 cases; in France by 12 and in the Netherlands by 5. Following a momentary suspension to clarify the matter, the EMA dismissed all alarms by defining the vaccine sure and effective.
Who can use it?
The indications have changed over the months. At the end of January, the EMA approved the AstraZeneca for all over 18. However, Germany and Italy have chosen to assign it only to under 55 pending further data. Our country has therefore released, at a later time, the use for the over 18. The last recommendation, however, goes in the opposite direction. Some countries have chosen to limit the use of AZD1222 to only over 55-60 (age varies from country to country).
When should the second dose be given?
The World Health Organization (WHO) spoke of a time range between 8 and 12 weeks. In Italy, also and above all due to the lack of doses, this limit has been raised to three months from the first inoculation. Regarding the second dose, however, it should be noted that some countries, (for example Germany), are considering administering a vaccine other than AstraZeneca to people who have received AZD1222 as a “first shot”.
–
