COVID-19 Vaccine (AstraZeneca/Oxford)

The AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is designed to protect against COVID-19 by training the immune system to recognize the virus. It uses a harmless virus called a chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver genetic instructions for the coronavirus's spike protein. When administered, the vaccine prompts the body to produce this protein, prompting an immune response without causing illness. This prepares your immune system to recognize and fight the real virus if exposed. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. It is a key tool in controlling the pandemic globally.