The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced here in Brazil by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), is now officially recommended for use by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Advisory Committee on Covid-19 (or Sage, its acronym in English), formed by specialists in immunization, highlights in a document that the immunizing agent is extremely effective and safe.

The Committee reinforces the indication shown in tests that a long interval between the two doses, from eight to 12 weeks, would increase its effectiveness. For WHO experts, the vaccine should be used in adults over 18, including the elderly, and also against the new variants that have been circulating in Brazil and other countries, such as South Africa. The recommendation document emphasizes that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine prevents severe cases and hospitalizations for Covid-19, so it should be used regardless of whether there are different variants of the virus circulating at the site.

Fiocruz started the production of the immunizing agent after receiving the first batch of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), on last Saturday (February 6). The approximately 90 liters of API are sufficient to produce 2.8 million doses. The first delivery to the National Immunization Program (PNI), with 1 million doses, is expected to take place in March, from 15 to 19.

The Foundation remains committed to delivering 100.4 million doses by July and another 110 million over the second half. By the end of March, the total production forecast is 15 million doses. In April, a second production line will already be operating, allowing the filling of 1.3 million daily doses. This will enable Fiocruz to virtually double the deliveries, reaching approximately 27 million doses.

Access more information about the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by Fiocruz.

Based on information from the Fiocruz News Agency (AFN).