AstraZeneca vaccine is a vaccine which is given to people aged 18 and more than 18 against COVID 19. This vaccine was made in the United Kingdom (in Oxford and Keele). Oxford University scientists and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca invented this vaccine. This vaccine can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against coronavirus, and it protects the vaccinated person from COVID 19. This vaccine is mentioned as Sodium-free. This contains a very small amount of ethanol. Some countries in the world have temporarily stopped giving AstraZeneca vaccine to their community due to blood coagulation is reported in some vaccinated people. This vaccine is usually injected into a muscle in the upper arm. Two injections are available in this vaccination program. People should get the second vaccination between 4 weeks and 12 weeks after getting the first injection. It is important to have the second vaccine as well. That person can be infected by COVID 19, if not. Then there is no point in the first injection. Therefore, people should make sure to get both injections of AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine is a viral vector. Protection against COVID 19 of AstraZeneca vaccine varies according to age of the person, dose and time between doses (varies from 62% -90%. Average efficacy is 70%). The cost per dose is $4 per dose.
Advantages of this vaccine:
- Cheap in price
- The immune system is stimulated
- Producing antibodies against Coronavirus.
- Distribution is easy.
- It is possible to store at normal refrigerator temperature.
Disadvantages of AstraZeneca vaccine:
- Having side effects
- Efficacy and safety of this vaccine are less.
Other vaccines:
- Pfizer vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson COVID 19 vaccine
- Moderna vaccine
Antibody tests can be conducted to see whether the immune system is responded to the vaccine or not. Efficacy is high in Johnson & Johnson COVID 19 vaccine. mRNA vaccines, vector vaccine and protein subunit vaccines are three types of vaccines for COVID 19. AstraZeneca belongs to the type of vector vaccines. When viral vector entered to our cells, that cells make copies of protein that is unique to coronavirus. Then T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes are built in the body.
Side effects of This vaccine:
- Severe headache.
- Pain, tenderness, itching/ bruising, tenderness on the place where the injection is given.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling feverish and feeling sick.
- Pain of joints
- The site of injection is swelled and red in color.
- Fever
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- High temperature of the body.
- Runny nose, sore throat, cough
These are common side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine. Decreasing appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, itchy skin, feeling dizzy and sweating (excessive) are uncommon side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine. Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), blood clots with low levels of platelets, sudden feeling of cold with shivering and a high temperature of the body have been also reported from some vaccinated people.
Some precautions should be followed before vaccination. People should meet or inform the doctor before vaccination,
- If severe allergic reactions are happened after other vaccine injection.
- If you get anticoagulant or having a bleeding problem.
- If there is a severe infection with a high temperature.
- If the immune system of the person is weak.
- If a blood clot is in the sinus veins in the brain.
- If the woman who is going to be vaccinated, is pregnant.
- If the woman who is going to be vaccinated, is breastfeeding.
Blood clotting with low levels of platelets is reported after giving this vaccination. Almost all the incidents have been happened within the first two weeks after vaccination. Deaths have been also recorded due to this. Therefore, AstraZeneca vaccine can’t save everyone. Countries such as Ireland, Denmark, France, Italy, Germany and Thailand temporarily suspended this AstraZeneca vaccine.
People should get medical advice immediately, if following things are observed.
- Severe and unusual headache (accompanied by confusion, weakness, drowsiness, difficulty with speech, blurred vision).
- Rash/ small bruises
- Bleeding which is happened under the skin beyond the site of injection.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath.
- Swelling of legs, persistent tummy pain.
Due to side effects are reported from vaccinated people, it can be considered as this vaccine is negatively affected to the human health. Even though there are alternative vaccines, side effects can be brought to human health by those vaccines as well. People who have a weak immune system, are severely infected by COVID 19. A balanced and healthy diet can increase people’s immunity, and people’s behavior can reduce the spreading of COVID 19.
AstraZeneca vaccine is stored in a refrigerator at 2oC to 8oC. Freezing should be avoided. The vials are kept in outer carton for protecting them from light. The expiry date should be considered before vaccination. Genetically modified organisms are there in AstraZeneca vaccine. L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, sucrose, ethanol, disodium edetate dihydrate, sodium chloride and water are there in AstraZeneca vaccine. The color of solution for injection is colorless to slightly brown.
How to increase the immunity of people?
COVID-19 is a virus, and it spreads from person to person easily. If this virus entered to our body, there should be a strong immune system to fight against coronavirus. Lots of methods increase immunity other than vaccines. Vitamins can boost immunity. If we get a healthy and balanced diet regularly, it is helpful to avoid diseases from us. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins. Boosting the immune system by healthy food is the best alternative for AstraZeneca vaccine.
The ways to prevent spreading of COVID 19
- Keeping Social distance
- Wearing masks and face shields
- Covering nose and mouth at sneezing
- Avoid sharing your items and goods with others (plates, cups, towels, cloths)
- Washing hands (using soap)
- Using hand sanitizers (Its alcohol percentage should be more than 70%)
- Having a good sleep (If you didn’t get a proper sleep, you become sick)
Behavioral changes of people can reduce COVID 19 transmission. Social distancing and wearing masks can avoid droplet transmission.
AstraZeneca vaccine has temporarily suspended, until the scientists found the reasons for adverse side effects and impact of the vaccine according to the results of their experiments.
By W.I.M.Withanage
Author’s bio
I am Iresha Mihirani who is interested in writing and drawing. I create short stories, articles, scientific fictions, essays, cartoons, and doodles in my leisure time. I write to give a happiness to readers and to express a valuable idea or a message to society.
