WHO Issues AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued interim recommendations for the use of the AZD1222 (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) AstraZeneca-Oxford adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccine.

WHO recommends that adults aged 18 years and older receive the vaccine in two doses 8 to 12 weeks apart, and that if the second dose is delayed beyond 12 weeks, that it should be administered as soon as possible. Further, if the second dose is inadvertently given after less than 4 weeks, it does not need to be repeated.

Currently, there is limited data available for efficacy in pregnant women, lactating women, individuals with HIV, immunocompromised individuals, patients with autoimmune conditions, and those with current or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Study results indicated that the vaccine had a similar efficacy and safety profile among individuals with underlying comorbid conditions that increase risk of severe COVID-19 as in those without these conditions. Studies conditions included obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Interim recommendations for use of the AZD1222 (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. World Health Organization. February 10, 2021. Accessed: February 11, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-vaccines-SAGE_recommendation-AZD1222-2021.1