AstraZeneca has made the decision to discontinue manufacturing and supplying its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, due to a decline in demand. The company has also withdrawn the authorization for the vaccine to be marketed or sold in European Union countries. The decision was made as there is now a surplus of other updated variant vaccines available, leading to decreased demand for Vaxzevria. Alongside Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, AstraZeneca’s vaccine was one of the primary vaccines administered worldwide to combat COVID-19 starting in 2021. However, safety concerns arose in March 2021 when reports of blood clots led to recommendations against administering the vaccine to individuals under 55.
Following the safety concerns surrounding Vaxzevria, Ontario and Alberta both paused the use of the vaccine out of caution a few months later. The decision to pause was also influenced by the availability of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, as well as a downward trend in COVID-19 cases. Canada ultimately cancelled its authorization for the use of Vaxzevria in December of 2023. AstraZeneca stated that they are working with regulators and partners to determine the next steps and conclude their involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic. The company expressed pride in the role that Vaxzevria played in helping to end the global pandemic.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization in Canada recommended against administering Vaxzevria to individuals under the age of 55 due to reports of vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT). Most cases of this adverse effect were identified in women under 55 years old. The safety concerns surrounding the vaccine led to decreased demand and ultimately the decision by AstraZeneca to discontinue production and distribution. With the availability of other vaccines with updated variants, the need for Vaxzevria has diminished, prompting the company to take this action.
AstraZeneca’s decision to withdraw Vaxzevria from the market comes as multiple other vaccines have been developed to combat COVID-19, resulting in a surplus of available options. This surplus has decreased the demand for the AstraZeneca vaccine, leading to its discontinuation. The company is now focused on working with regulatory authorities and partners to determine the next steps and conclude their involvement in the pandemic. Despite the challenges and safety concerns faced by Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca expressed pride in the role the vaccine played in contributing to the end of the global pandemic.
In light of safety concerns and declining demand, AstraZeneca has announced the discontinuation of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria. The decision to withdraw the vaccine’s authorization for marketing and distribution in European Union countries was made due to a surplus of other vaccines and decreased demand for Vaxzevria. The safety concerns surrounding the vaccine, particularly in relation to blood clots, led to recommendations against administering the vaccine to individuals under 55 in Canada. Following these recommendations, Ontario and Alberta paused the use of Vaxzevria, ultimately leading to its cancellation for use in Canada in December of 2023. AstraZeneca is now focusing on collaborating with regulators and partners to determine the next steps and continue their efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
