AstraZeneca has announced that it will no longer be manufacturing or supplying its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, due to declining demand. The company has also withdrawn the vaccine’s authorization to be marketed or sold in European Union countries. This decision comes as a result of the availability of multiple variant COVID-19 vaccines, which has led to a surplus of updated vaccines and a decrease in demand for Vaxzevria. AstraZeneca stated that it has initiated the withdrawal of Marketing Authorizations for Vaxzevria within Europe, signaling the end of its role in the global pandemic.
Initially, AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria was one of three primary vaccines administered worldwide against COVID-19 alongside Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. However, safety concerns emerged in March 2021 when reports of blood clots led Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization to recommend against administering the vaccine to individuals under age 55. The committee identified a majority of the adverse effects, known as vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT), in women under the age of 55. Following this recommendation, Ontario and Alberta paused the use of Vaxzevria out of caution.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, explained that the decision to pause the use of Vaxzevria was also influenced by an increased and reliable supply of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, as well as a continued downward trend in COVID-19 cases. Over time, Canada’s authorization for use of Vaxzevria was officially cancelled in December 2023. AstraZeneca stated in their email to Global News that they are working with regulators and partners to determine a clear path forward as they conclude their involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic. The company expressed pride in the role that Vaxzevria played in combatting the global pandemic.
As AstraZeneca halts the production and distribution of Vaxzevria, other COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna remain in circulation as viable options for vaccination. The decision to withdraw Vaxzevria reflects the evolving landscape of COVID-19 vaccine availability and demand. With the surplus of updated vaccines now available, AstraZeneca’s focus has shifted towards working with regulators and partners to navigate a clear path forward in wrapping up their involvement in the pandemic response. While the company acknowledges the decline in demand for Vaxzevria, they express pride in the contribution that the vaccine made towards ending the global pandemic.
Overall, AstraZeneca’s decision to cease the production and supply of Vaxzevria marks the end of a chapter in the COVID-19 pandemic response. The vaccine, which was initially one of the primary vaccines administered worldwide, faced safety concerns and decreasing demand over time. As countries like Canada cancelled the authorization for use of Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca has taken the step to withdraw the Marketing Authorizations for the vaccine within Europe. Moving forward, the company aims to align with regulators and partners to navigate a clear path towards concluding their involvement in the pandemic response. Despite the challenges faced, AstraZeneca expresses pride in the role that Vaxzevria played in combatting the global pandemic.
