Drug updated on 4/17/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (intramuscular; 0.5 mL) |
| Drug Class | Vaccines |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for active immunization of individuals 18 years of age and older for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Summary
- Vaxzevria (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) is indicated for active immunization of individuals 18 years and older for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Fourteen studies were reviewed to gather information about Vaxzevria's safety and effectiveness.
- The efficacy of Vaxzevria in providing immunity against COVID-19 has been demonstrated as high. However, its effectiveness tends to wane over time or is somewhat lower compared to mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna when it comes to variants such as Delta and B.1.351.
- In terms of safety profiles, while generally causing mild-to-moderate side effects similar to other COVID vaccines, Vaxzevria has been associated with rare but serious conditions like vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), acute transverse myelitis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
- The incidence rate for these severe adverse events appears less frequent with mRNA vaccines than adenoviral vector ones like Vaxzevria.
- People with autoimmune rheumatic diseases displayed a suboptimal response towards all types including Vaxzevria due to their ongoing treatment on certain immunomodulatory medications.
- Vaccine recommendations have had adjustments made in some countries due to higher incidences reported among younger populations, especially women, who showed a predisposition towards serious thrombotic events after receiving the Vaxzevria shot.
- Despite being linked more frequently than mRNA vaccines to specific severe adverse events, the protective benefits offered by vaccination using Vaxzevria outweighs these risks, making it safe and effective for the majority of the population.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vaxzevria (COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) Prescribing Information. | 2022 | AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario |