AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine withdrawn
It was developed with Oxford University and became the first in the world to be given outside of a trial in 2021.
Last updated 8th May 2024
A Covid 19 Vaccine developed with experts at Oxford University is being withdrawn.
AstraZeneca say it's because of a lack of global demand.
It became the first in the world to be given outside of a trial in 2021.
An AstraZeneca spokesperson said:
“We are incredibly proud of the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic.
According to independent estimates, over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use alone and over three billion doses were supplied globally.
"Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic.
"As multiple, variant COVID-19 vaccines have since been developed there is a surplus of available updated vaccines.
This has led to a decline in demand for Vaxzervria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied.
AstraZeneca has therefore taken the decision to initiate withdrawal of the Marketing Authorisations for Vaxzevria within Europe.
"We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The drug giant says there's a surplus of newer vaccines around the world.
It says the decision's commercial.
The vaccine hasn’t been used in the UK since summer 2021.