Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine Receives WHO Emergency Use Listing

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older, including those over 65. This milestone paves the way for global access to the vaccine, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where it is needed most. The authorization is a critical step in ensuring the vaccine's safety, quality, and efficacy, and allows for its deployment in populations with limited access to vaccines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active immunization against COVID-19.
  • The vaccine has been authorized for use in individuals 18 years of age and older, including those over 65.
  • The authorization enables global access to the vaccine, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries where it is needed most.
  • The process involved assessing the vaccine's safety, quality, and efficacy, as well as pragmatic considerations such as cold chain requirements.
  • Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford, credited Oxford's scientists, international partners, and AstraZeneca for their commitment to providing vaccines cheaply to countries around the world.
  • The authorization allows the University's partners to begin vaccinating populations with limited access to vaccines, aligning with the commitment to equitable access to the vaccine globally.

Statistics:

  • The vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 18 years of age and older, including those over 65.
  • The WHO assessed the vaccine's safety, quality, and efficacy as part of the Emergency Use Listing process.
  • The vaccine is expected to be crucial in defeating the COVID-19 disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Sources:

Oxford University, AstraZeneca, World Health Organization (WHO)

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