On Saturday, 1st of August, many Egyptians who were scheduled to get their COVID-19 vaccine were shocked when they received a message that their vaccination has been postponed.
For those scheduled to get their 2nd dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccination, the below message was sent causing a state of panic:
As there was no reason given and it was time for the 3-months mark of the second dose, many people were worried about whether this will affect how effective their vaccination is.
It has been stated from the very beginning that the second jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine was supposed to be taken after exactly 3 months. In fact, the appointment of the second dose was even reserved on the day Egyptians got their first vaccination shot to ensure it was done on time. Naturally, this left Egyptians in a heightened state of panic.
Rumors have been circulating why the scheduled vaccinations were postponed. While some people mention that it is due to AstraZeneca being reserved for travelers as Sinopharm has not been approved for travel to most countries yet, there have been sources from the Ministry of Health that have denied these allegations.
However, for those worried about the efficacy of the delayed vaccine, according to the University of Oxford, delaying the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to a period longer than 45 weeks has shown positive results that boost immune responses after the second dose.
Via: WHO – COVID-19 Vaccine
According to the official representative of the Ministry of Health, over 125 vaccination certificate offices are being prepared in order to help certify and prepare vaccination passports for travelers. This could also be a reason that impacts the delay of the vaccine.
Further reading:
- Is the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?
- Countries That Will Require COVID-19 Vaccine to Allow Entry
- 52 Countries Egyptian Tourists Can Travel to This Summer
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