Corona 19 vaccine jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University in the UKThe World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group recommended that the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) vaccine developed by the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Oxford University in the UK can be used by people over the age of 65.
The Expert Strategic Advisory Group (SAGE), the WHO’s immunization advisory group, said in its interim recommendation that “considering the totality of available evidence, WHO recommends the use of the vaccine to people over 65.”
SAGE Chairman Alejandro Kravioto admitted the lack of vaccine efficacy data for seniors aged 65 and older during a video press briefing that day, but said, “We believe that this group’s (to the vaccination) response cannot be different from that of the lower age group. “He explained.
He said that the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended to be used by adults over the age of 18 without age restrictions.
SAGE also recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine can be used in areas where the COVID-19 mutant virus has occurred.
“There is no reason not to recommend its use, even in countries where the mutation has appeared,” said Krabioto.
SAGE recommends a dose interval of 8 to 12 weeks for AstraZeneca vaccine, which must be given twice.
AstraZeneca suggests an inoculation interval of 4 to 12 weeks, but SAGE explained, “when the interval is longer, an increase in efficacy and immunity was observed.”
The recommendation comes amid controversy whether AstraZeneca vaccine is appropriate for use in the elderly and in areas with mutant virus.
Some countries have limited the recommended age for vaccination because there is not yet sufficient data on the effectiveness of this vaccine in older people.
In Germany, France, Austria and Sweden, the vaccination age is under 65, Finland is under 70, Poland is under 60, and Belgium is under 55.
Korea has approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults over 18 years of age, including seniors over 65 years of age.
In addition, as a result of a study that the vaccine had a limited effect on the COVID-19 mutation originating in South Africa, South Africa suspended its use.
However, with the SAGE’s recommendation, the plan of the COVAX facility, an international project for joint purchase and distribution of the Corona 19 vaccine led by WHO and others, has gained momentum.
AstraZeneca is KOVAX’s primary vaccine supplier, and KOVAX plans to deliver 336 million doses of the vaccine to member countries in the first half of this year.
Earlier, Kovacs said on the 8th that there is currently no plan to reject the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Meanwhile, the WHO is expected to make a decision on the list of urgent use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in mid-month.
To date, the WHO has approved emergency use only for Pfizer-Bioentech vaccines.
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