AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Listed by the WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on February 15, 2021, they have listed two versions of the AstraZeneca - Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. This WHO listing enables these vaccines to be rolled out globally through COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX).

These COVID-19 vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India (CoviShield).

They were reviewed on February 8, 2021, by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), making recommendations for vaccines’ use in populations. The SAGE recommended the vaccine for all age groups 18 and above.

“Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facility’s goal of equitable vaccine distribution,” said Dr. Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.

COVAX is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others.