Written by: dr. Alexandra Francesca Chandra, MRes
This vaccine, officially named “Vaxzevriaâ€, is more commonly known as “AstraZeneca.â€
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
| Side effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Pain/swelling/itch near the injection area, feeling tired, headache, muscle/joint pain, nausea, fever >38oC | Common |
| Redness/swelling near the injection area, diarrhea, vomiting | Less Common |
| Reduced appetite, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, swollen lymph gland, rash | Rare |
| Blood clot, capillary leak syndrome | Very Rare |
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
