AstraZeneca Vaccine

Written by:  dr. Alexandra Francesca Chandra, MRes

This vaccine, officially named “Vaxzevria”, is more commonly known as “AstraZeneca.”

This vaccine uses adenovirus vaccine vector (recombinant), which contains modified common flu vaccine that cannot replicate in human body but can still initiate immune response to COVID-19.

Authorization for AstraZeneca Vaccine in Indonesia

AstraZeneca Vaccine have obtained an emergency user authorization:

• BPOM EUA2158100143A1 guarantees this vaccine’s safety and quality
• Fatwa MUI states that this vaccine is “mubah” (allowed for emergency use)

Administration of AstraZeneca Vaccine

This vaccine is injected into the upper arm, for 2 doses. The second dose is administered 12 weeks after the first dose.

AstraZeneca Vaccine Contraindication

Several contraindication for AstraZeneca Vaccine include:

• Allergy reaction toward the vaccine/components of vaccine
• Severe history of allergy / anaphylactic shock after receiving the first dose of the vaccine

Side Effects of AstraZeneca Vaccine

Rare Side Effect of Blood Clots

Trombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is blood clotting with a low blood platelet count. This can occur in the vessels of the brain, abdomen, and lungs. TTS can cause serious long term disability and death.

1 in 100.000 people; 1 in 5 of these people may die

Causes:

• Possibly due to abnormal immune response
• Antibodies react with platelets forming blood clots instead

Risk period: 4 – 20 days after vaccination (usually after the first dose)

Risk factors:

• Age younger than 50 years old
• Female

Symptoms needing medical attention:

• Pain in the chest/stomach
• Severe / worsening headache
• Blurred vision
• Persistent bleeding
• Bruises / reddish-purplish spots, or blood blisters under the skin
• Swelling or coldness in a leg

Download Info Flyer Astra Zeneca