Ottawa – All COVID-19 vaccines authorized in Canada are proven safe, effective and of high quality.
Name: AstraZeneca Vaxzevria® COVID-19 vaccine
Manufacturer: AstraZeneca Canada Inc and Verity/SII (COVISHIELD)
Type: Viral vector-based
Status: Approved by Health Canada
Approved for: Age 18 and older
How it’s given: Injection in muscle (usually the upper arm)
Number of doses: 2 doses
Note: The COVISHIELD version of this vaccine provided a temporary supply to Canadians through the Interim Order respecting the importation, sale and advertising of drugs for use in relation to COVID-19. It was not transitioned to the Food and Drug Regulations when the interim order expired on September 16, 2021.
The AstraZeneca Vaxzevria® COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in Canada under the Food and Drug Regulations.
Who the vaccine is approved for
The vaccine is approved for people who are 18 years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than 18 years of age have not yet been established.
Effectiveness
US Clinical trials showed that beginning 2 weeks after the second dose, the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria® COVID-19 vaccine was 74% effective in protecting trial participants against COVID-19.
Dosage
This vaccine requires 2 doses for maximum protection. The dosing schedule approved by Health Canada is to give the 2 doses 4 to 12 weeks apart, based on evidence from clinical trials. Your province or territory decides when people receive their first and second doses of the vaccine. These decisions are based on public health recommendations and the latest evidence.
Mixed dose schedules
A different vaccine may be offered for your second dose. This is known as a mixed vaccine series.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty® or Moderna Spikevax®) should be offered for your second dose. This is the case even if you got a viral vector vaccine as a first dose. A viral vector vaccine, like AstraZeneca Vaxzevria®, may be recommended by your health care provider depending on your unique health situation. For example, if you’re allergic to an mRNA vaccine.