Astrazeneca Vaccine Efficacy: What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine
The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is well underway, with several vaccines rolling out to the public. Among the leading vaccine producers is Astrazeneca, which is playing a paramount role in helping to bring an end to the pandemic. In this article, we explore the Astrazeneca vaccine efficacy, breaking down what you need to know about the vaccine.
What Is the Astrazeneca Vaccine?
The Astrazeneca vaccine, otherwise known as the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, is one of the leading COVID-19 vaccines currently being rolled out. It was created by Oxford University and Astrazeneca, and works by training the body’s cells to recognize the appearance of the virus, helping it to fight it off in the future. It is a viral vector vaccine, and it was the first Covid-19 vaccine to be approved for large-scale use in the United Kingdom.
How Effective Is the Astrazeneca Vaccine?
In the UK, the Astrazeneca vaccine has been proven to be highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. It is said to be around 70% effective at preventing symptoms, particularly when administered at minimum intervals of 12 weeks between doses.
Efficacy in Other Countries
In Ireland, the Astrazeneca vaccine has been found to be 66% effective after the first dose of the vaccine. In India, the vaccine has been found to have a high efficiency of 81.3% against symptomatic COVID-19 after the first dose. In countries like Germany, Denmark, Chile, Singapore and Thailand, the vaccine has also been proven to be an effective solution for protecting against the virus, with efficacy ranging from 70-90%.
Side Effects of the Vaccine
The Astrazeneca vaccine is generally well tolerated, but it can cause certain side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include mild pain and tenderness at the injection site, headache, fatigue and muscle ache. In some cases, more severe side effects may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
It should be noted that these side effects are temporary, and they are not indicative of potential long-term problems related to the vaccine. It is important to remember that the risk of serious long-term side effects is far lower than the risk of serious illness or death associated with the COVID-19 virus.
Who Should Avoid the Vaccine?
The Astrazeneca vaccine is not suitable for everyone, as it has not yet been tested on certain populations. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those aged under 18, are currently advised not to take the vaccine.
In addition, people who have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine, or who have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the components of the vaccine, should not have the vaccine either. People in these categories are recommended to seek advice from their doctors before having the vaccine.
How Can I Get the Vaccine?
The Astrazeneca vaccine is currently being rolled out in many countries, including the UK, Ireland and India. The procedure for getting the vaccine will vary from country to country, so it is important to check with your local health department for more information on eligibility and how to book your vaccine.
The Astrazeneca vaccine is one of the leading vaccines being rolled out against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is highly effective, with reported efficacy ranging from 66-90% after the first dose, and is generally well tolerated with mild side effects like pain and tenderness at the injection site.
Certain populations, such as those under 18 or pregnant, are not eligible for the vaccine, and people who have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose should seek advice from their doctor before deciding to take the vaccine. The process of getting the vaccine will vary from country to country, so be sure to check with your local health service for more information on eligibility and how to book your appointment.
