COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca under emergency use can reduce risk against COVID-19 for priority groups aged 18 and older, HTAC notes in a recent recommendation. 

How it works: COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca uses a weakened common cold virus (called adenovirus) as carrier of the instructions for our cells to make the “spike protein” unique to SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca under EUA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for emergency use last 28 January 2021. This authorization speeds up the approval process for vaccines, which normally takes years depending on how long clinical trials take.

Current available data suggests COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca may prevent symptomatic COVID-19 and reduce risk for hospital visits for persons aged 18 and older, while experts worldwide continue to monitor its safety for persons more than 56 years old. 

Compared to experience with previous non-COVID vaccines, health authorities worldwide have noted few reported side effects, with no serious injuries or deaths resulting from vaccination. More research efforts also seek to study its long-term effectiveness, safety, and capacity to reduce symptomatic and severe COVID-19 experienced within the same time period. 

Based on existing evidence from ongoing trials, the HTAC considers that the vaccine’s positive health impacts outweigh its short-term risks. 

Other factors informing the HTAC recommendation include potential health, economic, and social benefits in recommending COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. 

As new information emerges, the Council will continue to update its recommendations and provide our policy-makers, health providers, and the Filipino public evidence-based guidance.

Read our guidance for healthcare providers: COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca Guidance for Health Care Providers

Read the Evidence Summary: COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) (COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) for the prevention of COVID-19