1

What is the function of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is a vaccine used to protect people aged 18 years and older against COVID-19. COVID-19 is caused by a virus called coronavirus (SARS-CoV2).

2

How COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca works?

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca stimulates the body’s natural defences (immune system). It causes the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus. This will help to protect you against COVID-19 in the future. None of the ingredients in this vaccine can cause COVID-19.

3

What are the ingredients in COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Active Ingredient
One dose (0.5 ml) contains:
COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S*recombinant) 5 × 1010 viral particles.

*Recombinant, replication deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein. Produced in genetically modified human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells.

This product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Inactive Ingredient
• L-histidine
• L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate
• Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
• Polysorbate 80
• Ethanol
• Sucrose
• Sodium chloride
• Disodium edetate dihydrate
• Water for injections.
• Sodium and alcohol**

** This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose of 0.5 ml. This means that it is essentially ‘sodium-free’.
This medicine contains a very small amount of alcohol (0.002 mg of alcohol (ethanol) per dose of 0.5 ml). This is not enough to cause any noticeable effects.

4

Who should not receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is contraindicated in individuals with the following condition:

1) Do not take COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the active substances or any of the other ingredients. (see Ingredient subsection). Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.

2) Children and adolescents below 18 years old.

5

Do I need to inform the doctor if I have specific health condition or on specific medications?

Tell your doctor before vaccination:
• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any other vaccine injection;
• If you currently have a severe infection with a high body temperature (over 38°C). However, a mild fever or infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination;
• If you have a problem with bleeding or bruising, or if you are taking a blood thinning medicine (anticoagulant);
• If your immune system does not work properly (immunodeficiency) or you are taking medicines that weaken the immune system (such as high-dose corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or cancer medicines).

If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to the doctor before you are given the vaccine.

As with any vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca may not protect everyone who is vaccinated from COVID-19. It is not yet known how long people who receive the vaccine will be protected for. No data are currently available in individuals with a weakened immune system or who are taking chronic treatment that suppresses or prevents immune responses.

6

How many doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca will be needed?

You will receive 2 injections. You will be told when you need to return for your second injection of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. The second injection can be given between 4 and 12 weeks after the first injection.

If you forget to go back at the scheduled time, ask your doctor for advice. It is important that you return for your second injection of COVID19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

7

Can I receive different types of vaccine for the first dose and second dose?

When COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is given for the first injection, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (and not another vaccine against COVID-19) should be given for the second injection to complete vaccination course.

8

Is COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca safe in breastfeeding mothers and/or pregnant mothers?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please inform the doctor. There are limited data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Your doctor will discuss with you whether you can be given the vaccine.

9

What are the possible side effects of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
• tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling or bruising where the injection is given
• generally feeling unwell
• feeling tired (fatigue)
• chills or feeling feverish
• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)
• joint pain or muscle ache

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
• a lump at the injection site
• fever
• being sick (vomiting)
• flu-like symptoms, such as high body temperature, sore throat, runny nose, cough and chills

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
• feeling dizzy
• decreased appetite
• abdominal pain
• enlarged lymph nodes
• excessive sweating, itchy skin or rash


In clinical trials there were very rare reports of events associated with inflammation of the nervous system, which may cause numbness, pins and needles, and/or loss of feeling. However, it is not confirmed whether these events were due to the vaccine. If you notice any side effects not mentioned here, please get medical attention.