COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca Guidance for Patients

COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca is recommended for emergency use in persons aged 18 and older as it can reduce the risk of COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know.

UNDERSTANDING COVID-19 VACCINES

COVID-19 explained

COVID-19 comes from a strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This coronavirus type has not been seen in humans before and spreads through more than 15 minutes of direct contact with other people who have it.

After exposure to the virus, flu-like symptoms start to appear from 2 to 14 days. These include loss of taste or smell, sore throat, fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, body aches, fatigue, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The virus primarily causes respiratory problems such as pneumonia, but can also affect other organs.

COVID-19 AstraZeneca under EUA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca 28 January 2021. This means that the vaccine did not undergo the same review process as FDA-approved medicines, which normally takes years depending on clinical trials. As studies continue, more data have since suggested their safety, efficacy, and long-term safety.

Only vaccines receiving positive recommendations from the HTAC will be allowed for use in the national COVID-19 immunization program.

THINGS TO KNOW

Who should get COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Only persons aged 18 or older may receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

Who should NOT get COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Do not get the vaccine if you:

• Had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the first dose of this vaccine
• Had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients
• Are below 18 years of age

Can I receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca if I have other medical conditions?

If you are immunocompromised, have another acute illness or an autoimmune condition, or if you are a person living with HIV, consult your healthcare provider for options.

Can I receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider for your options.

Will COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca give me COVID-19?

No. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca does not contain SARS-CoV-2 or any of its components and cannot give you COVID-19.

RECEIVING COVID-19 VACCINE ASTRAZENECA

Do I need to get tested before receiving COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

No. You only need to wear your face mask, face shield, and stay 1 at least a meter away from others when you get vaccinated.

What should I tell my provider before getting COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Before getting vaccinated, remember to tell your vaccination provider all your medical conditions, such as if you:

• Have any allergies
• Are immunocompromised or use medicines affecting your immune system
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have a fever
• Have bleeding disorders or use blood thinners
• Have received a different COVID-19 vaccine

Providers will only schedule recipients for vaccination after the complete health screening.

How will I get COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Your vaccine provider will give you COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca as an injection into your muscle. You will receive 2 doses of the vaccine based on the schedule your provider set for you. Make sure to receive only COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca within this time to complete the vaccination series.

What are the benefits of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Studies have shown that COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 for persons aged 18 and older. Experts continue to monitor its safety for persons more than 56 years of age and long-term protection as more clinical trials finish.

What are the risks of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

Some side effects reported from COVID-19 AstraZeneca include:

• Tenderness and/or pain in the injection site
• Headache
• General discomfort or malaise
• Chills or increased body temperature
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions

Health specialists continue to monitor potential serious or unexpected effects from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

What should I do in case of severe reaction to COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

In the unlikely chance, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca causes severe allergic reactions, your provider may ask you to stay at the vaccination site for monitoring. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Breathing difficulty
• Swelling of the face and/or throat
• Fast heartbeat
• Rash all over the body
• Weakness or dizziness

Call your provider if any discomfort, side effects, or unusual symptoms persist 24 hours after getting COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. You can also report your symptoms through the following links:

• FDA Online Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting – https://www.fda.gov.ph/adr-reporting/
• https://primaryreporting.who-umc.org/Reporting/Reporter?OrganizationID=UG
• WHO Online Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting for the Philippines – https://primaryreporting.who-umc.org/Reporting/Reporter?OrganizationID=PH

OTHER INFORMATION

Can I receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca with other vaccines?

If you have received any other injections recently, inform your provider and wait two weeks before getting COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

There is no data available on using COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca concurrently with other COVID and non-COVID vaccines.

How will I know the schedule for my next vaccine dose?

After getting the first dose, your provider will give you a vaccination card that shows when you should return for your second COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca dose.

Can I choose the brand of vaccine I will receive?

No. The National Government will vaccinate based on prioritization and vaccine delivery schedules. Priority groups will receive FDA-approved vaccines delivered first.

What if I do not want to get vaccinated?

Vaccination is not mandatory. It is your choice to receive or not receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

Your standard medical care will not change if you decide not to get vaccinated.