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OHIOHEALTH

What Is the AstraZeneca Vaccine?

The AstraZeneca vaccine is similar to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as it is a replication defective adenovirus vector vaccine and is stored in a refrigerator. This type of vaccine uses an inactive adenovirus, or common cold virus, to teach your cells to create the spike protein that allows your immune system to start protecting you against COVID-19.

Unlike Johnson & Johnson, this vaccine uses a chimpanzee adenovirus instead of a human adenovirus, and it is two doses instead of one dose. While this vaccine has already been authorized in Great Britain and Europe, it is expected to be reviewed by the FDA for United States authorization this spring.


Want to learn more about common COVID-19 questions? Check our Fast Facts page.

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