Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Developed by the Oxford vaccine group in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine has recently been given approval for emergency uses by WHO. The vaccine was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission, after being recommended by the European Medicines Agency(EMA). One of the versions of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine i.e Covishield is being manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine can benefit us in several ways such as-

• It is safe and has been approved on the basis of clinical trials.
• It is effective against the infection of Covid-19.
• It helps in developing immunity.
• Complete doses of vaccines enable a person to live a normal life full of activities without any fear of infection.
• It is the safest way to get immunized against the disease.
• Transmission risk due to Covid-19 viruses is reduced.

It is the viral vector type of vaccine. The spike protein on the surface of the viruses is encoded by the gene present in the vaccine, which when injected into the body, stimulates the formation of spike protein in the body, in response to which the body starts forming the antibodies. These antibodies immunize the body against SARS-Cov-2.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine should be administered into the body as an intramuscular injection. As per the recommendations of WHO SAGE, the vaccine is scheduled for two doses of 0.5ml each with a time interval of 8 to 12 weeks in between.

The efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine can be determined on the basis of clinical trials. It is 76% after 22 days from the day of the first dose, in case of prevention of the symptomatic covid-19, while the efficacy is 81.3% after the second dose injection.

The main advantage of this vaccine is the easy storage. Since it is stable at the refrigerator temperatures, therefore storage is quite easily accessible. The adverse effects are categorized as the common symptoms related to the vaccine that may occur within a couple of days after getting vaccinated and disappear on their own after some days.

Symptoms associated with it are difficulty in breathing, face and throat swelling, dizziness, weakness, and tachycardia. As per the reports of EMA, there are some serious complications related to the vaccine such as-

• Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Thromboembolic events include symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, blurred vision, abdominal pain, and swelling in the legs.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• COVID-19

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Pain At The Injection Site

• Swelling And Redness At The Injection Site

• Fever Or Chills

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Muscle Or Joint Pain

• Fatigue

• Tiredness

• Allergy Symptoms

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This vaccine is found to be safe to be used in pregnant women. Clinical studies are still under process and there could be any unforeseen effect on the fetus which is yet to be identified.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This vaccine is still under clinical trial and for now it is found to be safe in nursing women.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption for a brief period of time before getting vaccinated, as it might affect people’s immune responses to the jab.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This vaccine is not found to affect people's consciousness. If you feel dizzy, then you must avoid driving.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Vaccine is safe to be administered to the patient with kidney disease of any severity.

• LD

  This vaccine has been demonstrated to cause or worsen chronic liver diseases.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine as ingredient

• Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

  AstraZeneca

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is composed of the weakened version of adenovirus. It is further modified to contain genetic material shared by the coronavirus - although not causing the actual disease. After getting the injection, it helps to build the immune system in the body against fighting the real virus.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Ques : What is the common name for Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : The common name of Oxford-AstraZeneca in Indian is Covishield or Vaxzevria.

• Ques : What are the uses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is used to immunize receivers against the infection of coronavirus.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : As per the recommendations of WHO SAGE, a two-dose course of the vaccine is sufficient to build immunity against coronavirus.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine should be administered into the body as an intramuscular injection. As per the recommendations of WHO SAGE, the vaccine is scheduled for two doses of 0.5ml each with a time interval of 8 to 12 weeks in between.

• Ques : Should I use Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : One can get vaccinated at any time, that is it is not compulsory that one should have a full/empty stomach before getting the shot.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : The key benefit of this vaccine is the easy storage. Since it is stable at the refrigerator temperatures, therefore storage is quite easily accessible. Once the vaccine is injected into the receiver, the injection needs to be disposed of and not be used again.

• Ques : Who can take the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : People who should be taking Oxford-AstraZeneca are -

  • People aged 65 or older.
  • Patients who have a risk of severe COVID-19, which includes cases of cardiovascular disease, obesity, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
  • already been infected from covid-19.
  • Lactating women.

• Ques : Should pregnant women be vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : It is advisable to consult your doctor before getting administered, as the category is still under study.

• Ques : Who should not take the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : Patients shown hypersensitivity to excipients present in the vaccine should not go for vaccination. Also, studies are still looking for results on the population under 18 years of age, until further notice it is not advisable for the population under 18 years of age to take the vaccine.

• Ques : How effective is Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine against the virus?

  Ans : The two-dose vaccine has an efficacy rate of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Ques : Does the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine work against new variants of covid-19?

  Ans : Currently, no data is available to prove its efficacy rate against other variants yet it has been recommended by WHO to get vaccinated.

• Ques : Does Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine prevent transmission and infection?

  Ans : No substantive data are available related to the impact of Oxford-AstraZeneca on viral shedding or transmission.

• Ques : Can you consume smoke/alcohol after getting vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : There is no recommendation regarding avoidance of smoke/alcohol following vaccination.

• Ques : Do I require any test pre or post getting Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : No. The receiver does not need tests like CRP, BTCT, RTPCR, etc.

• Ques : Can one take Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine between the course of Birth control?

  Ans : Even though current studies show no side effects of vaccines while taking the course of hormonal birth control pills, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional before getting vaccinated.

• Ques : Is there any difference between 1st and 2nd doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : There is no difference between the first and second doses of the vaccine. Both of the doses are made with the same content of viral particles.