AstraZeneca Vaccine Canada Agreement: What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone around the world, and the development of vaccines has been a crucial element in fighting against the virus. AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company, has been a major player in the vaccine race and has recently signed an agreement with the Canadian government to supply millions of doses of their COVID-19 vaccine. Here`s everything you need to know about the AstraZeneca vaccine Canada agreement.
What is the AstraZeneca vaccine?
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, also known as AZD1222, is a viral vector vaccine that uses a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) to carry genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This genetic material triggers an immune response in the body to fight against the virus.
The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, with an overall efficacy of 70 percent. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the dosage and timing of the two doses administered.
What is the AstraZeneca vaccine Canada agreement?
On February 12, 2021, the Canadian government announced that it had signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to secure 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for the country. The first shipment of the vaccine doses arrived in Canada in mid-March, and the distribution of vaccines began shortly afterward.
Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will supply Canada with up to 15 million doses of the vaccine, with options for an additional 15 million doses. The vaccines will be delivered to Canada on a rolling basis starting in the second quarter of 2021.
Why is the AstraZeneca vaccine important for Canada?
The AstraZeneca vaccine is an essential addition to Canada`s COVID-19 vaccine portfolio, as it is easier to store and transport than some of the other vaccines that have been approved for use in Canada. The AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures, making it easier to distribute to remote and rural areas.
Canada has been facing a shortage of vaccines, with delays in the deliveries of vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Therefore, the agreement with AstraZeneca provides additional doses to help ramp up Canada`s vaccination efforts.
What are the potential side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine?
As with any vaccine, there are potential side effects with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Some of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials include pain and tenderness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, and fever.
In rare cases, individuals have developed blood clots after receiving the vaccine, leading some countries to suspend the use of the vaccine temporarily. However, the benefits of the vaccine still outweigh the risks, and the vaccine`s safety and efficacy are continuously being monitored by health officials.
Conclusion
The AstraZeneca vaccine Canada agreement is an essential development in Canada`s efforts to combat COVID-19. The additional doses of the vaccine will help Canada reach its vaccination goals, and the AstraZeneca vaccine`s ease of storage and transport makes it an important tool in reaching remote and rural communities. While there are potential side effects, the vaccine`s benefits still outweigh the risks, and health officials continue to monitor the vaccine`s safety and effectiveness.
