Vaccination strategy against Covid-19 - AstraZeneca vaccine

the HAS considers that the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® vaccine can be used, in accordance with its Marketing Authorization and as part of the vaccine strategy previously defined by the HAS. However, while awaiting additional data, the HAS recommends giving preference to mRNA vaccines in people aged 65 and over, starting with the oldest and presenting comorbidities in accordance with the priority populations defined in the vaccination strategy. The AZD1222 vaccine is therefore preferentially recommended to professionals in the health or medico-social sector under 65 and to people under 65, starting with people aged 50 to 64 with comorbidities.
The HAS recalls that the market authorization for the AZD1222 vaccine plans a period of 4 to 12 weeks between the two doses. However, given the efficacy and immunogenicity data available showing the positive impact of the lengthening of the duration between doses and the persistence up to 12 weeks of the protection conferred by the first dose, the HAS recommends an interval of 9 to 12 weeks between the two doses.
AstraZeneca's vaccine also differs from other available vaccines by its storage conditions. From a logistical point of view, the storage conditions for AstraZeneca's vaccine should make it possible to simplify the vaccination and increase the daily vaccination capacities. In accordance with its intermediate recommendations on the methods of implementing vaccination, the HAS recommends simplifying access to vaccination as much as possible. To this end, in addition to the usual players in vaccination, such as doctors and nurses, the HAS recommends allowing midwives and community pharmacists already trained in vaccination and who have declared such activity (for influenza ) to prescribe and carry out vaccination with the AZD1222 vaccine and in all places (places of exercise, vaccination centers, mobile teams, etc.).
The HAS recalls the essential role of doctors in the vaccination campaign and recommends that patients with comorbidities or specific situations (pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergy, etc.) and people who have already suffered from Covid-19 discuss with their doctor.