Egypt Receives First Shipment of AstraZeneca/Oxford University Vaccine

Strategic Insights -

Egypt has commenced its nationwide vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) with the arrival of the first shipment of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine. The vaccine will initially be administered to frontline health workers, the elderly, and those with chronic health issues. The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) has approved the emergency use of Covishield, the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, following thorough evaluation processes to ensure its safety and efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Egypt has received the first shipment of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine, a week after launching its nationwide vaccination campaign.
  • The vaccine will be administered to frontline health workers, the elderly, and those with chronic health issues.
  • The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) has approved the emergency use of Covishield, the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, after conducting thorough evaluation processes.
  • The Covishield vaccine requires two doses, administered between four and 12 weeks apart, and can be safely stored at temperatures of 2C to 8C.
  • The vaccine is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer.
  • According to international clinical trials, the AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine's effectiveness hits 90% when people are given the full two doses.
  • Egypt has signed a deal with Russia's R-Pharma and India's Serum Institute to purchase 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as part of its total 100 million doses goal.

Statistics:

  • 20 million: The number of AstraZeneca vaccine doses Egypt has purchased from Russia's R-Pharma and India's Serum Institute.
  • 100 million: The total number of vaccine doses targeted by the Egyptian government.
  • 90%: The effectiveness rate of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine when given in two doses according to international clinical trials.
  • 2C to 8C: The safe storage temperature range for the Covishield vaccine.
  • 2-12 weeks: The administration interval between the first and second doses of the Covishield vaccine.

Sources:

  • Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)
  • Unified Procurement Authority (UPA)
  • Serum Institute of India
  • AstraZeneca/Oxford University