AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) Vaccine National Protocol

This protocol is for the supply and administration of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) to individuals in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.


Annex A: Clinical Information

This Annex provides information about the clinical situation or condition and treatment in relation to the National Protocol.

Annex Version history

Version: 1.0

Date: 21/01/21

Summary of changes: Version 1.0 new Annex A

Version: 2.0

Date: 02/02/21

Summary of changes: The following sections have been updated

  • Inclusion section updated to advise that in individuals who had systemic allergic symptoms after the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine may be considered for a second dose using the AstraZeneca vaccine
  • Exclusion section updated to align with wording in Green Book on previous systemic allergic reaction (including immediate-onset anaphylaxis)
  • Cautions section updated to include advice from Green Book on second doses following non allergic reactions or localised urticarial skin reactions without systemic symptoms following first dose.
  • Route of administration updated to align with manufacturer's advice on obtaining additional dose from vial
  • Frequency section updated to align with advice in Green Book on timing of second dose for those commencing immunosuppressive treatment
  • Observation following vaccination section updated with advice on post vaccine observation of second doses in those who had systemic allergic symptoms after the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Version: 2.1

Date: 22/02/21

Summary of changes: The following sections have been updated:

  • Inclusion section updated to include women who are pregnant where the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV2 infection is high and cannot be avoided, or where the woman has underlying conditions that put them at very high risk of serious complications of COVID-19. And to remove statement not including pregnant women from clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
  • Exclusion section updated to remove pregnancy and evolving neurological conditions
  • Exclusion section updated to include those patient characteristics which warrant special precautions as per the Green Book
  • Cautions section updated to detail the potential for cross-reactivity between patients allergic to polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80. This section includes advice on inclusion of patients who have no history of systematic allergic reactions to other polysorbate 80-containing injectable vaccines
  • Cautions section updated to include Management of patients with a history of allergy and Flowchart for managing patients who have allergic reactions to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
  • Action if excluded section updated to remove reference to evolving neurological conditions
  • Frequency section updated to align with Green Book advice on scheduling of second dose.
  • Observation following vaccination section updated for patients who had swelling or rash local to the injection site only.

1. Clinical condition or situation to which this Protocol applies

Category: Indication

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is indicated for active immunisation against COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus in accordance with the Scottish Government COVID-19 immunisation programme and recommendations given in Chapter 14a of the Immunisation Against Infectious Disease: the 'Green Book', JCVI statement on priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination from 30th December 2020 and subsequent correspondence/publications from Scottish Government.

Category: Inclusion criteria

Description: National policy must be followed in relation to the priority groups eligible for vaccination at a particular point in time.

COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to the following individuals:

  • Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
  • All those 80 years of age and over
  • Frontline health and social care workers (as included in COVID-19SARS-Cov-2 chapter of Green Book, JCVI statement and Scottish Government CMO letters)
  • All those 75 years of age and over
  • All those 70 years of age and over
  • Clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) individuals (not including those under 18 years) as defined by Scottish Government at https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-shielding/pages/highest-risk-classification/
  • All those 65 years of age and over
  • Individuals aged 18 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which puts them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality included in Table 3 COVID-19SARS-Cov-2 chapter 14a of Green Book*
  • All those 60 years of age and over
  • All those 55 years of age and over
  • All those 50 years of age and over
  • Further guidance for those under age 50 years not included in the above groups will follow in phase 2.
  • Women who are pregnant where the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV2 infection is high and cannot be avoided, or where the woman has underlying conditions that put them at very high risk of serious complications of COVID-19, and only after a discussion between the woman and an obstetrician.

*This also includes those who are in receipt of a carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

The list above is not exhaustive, and clinician should apply clinical judgment to take into account the risk of COVID-19 exacerbating any underlying disease that a patient may have, as well as the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 itself. COVID-19 vaccine should be offered in such cases even if the individual is not in the clinical risk groups specified above, this may be provided under a Patient Specific Direction (PSD).

Category: Exclusion criteria

Description: The vaccine should not be given to:

  • Those who have had a previous systemic allergic reaction (including immediate-onset anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of this COVID-19 vaccine
  • Those who have had a previous systemic allergic reaction (including immediate-onset anaphylaxis) to any components of this vaccine
  • Those with a history of immediate anaphylaxis to multiple, different drug classes, with the trigger unidentified (this may indicate PEG allergy) unless the advice from relevant specialist, local immunisation or health protection team is that vaccination should proceed
  • Those with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, injected antibody preparation or a medicine likely to contain PEG (e.g. depot steroid injection, laxative) unless the advice from relevant specialist, local immunisation or health protection team is that vaccination should proceed
  • Those with a history of idiopathic (unexplained) anaphylaxis unless the advice from relevant specialist, local immunisation or health protection team is that vaccination should proceed
  • Those in whom no valid consent has been received
  • Those who are under 18 years of age
  • Those with confirmed COVID-19 infection to avoid confusing the differential diagnosis. As clinical deterioration can occur up to two weeks after infection, ideally vaccination should be deferred until around four weeks after onset of symptoms or from the first PCR positive specimen in those who are asymptomatic.
  • Those with evidence of current deterioration of COVID-19 symptoms, deferral of vaccination may be considered to avoid incorrect attribution of any change in the person's underlying condition to the vaccine.
  • Those who are participating in a clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccines
  • Those with acute febrile illness – consider postponing immunisation until individual has fully recovered.

Category: Cautions/ need for further advice/ circumstances when further advice should be sought from a doctor

Description: The COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book advises that there are very few individuals who cannot receive COVID vaccine. Where there is doubt, rather than withholding vaccination, appropriate advice should be sought from the relevant specialist, or from the local immunisation or health protection team.

Figure 1 summarises the management of patients with a history of allergy.

The Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEGs (also known as macrogols) are a group of known allergens commonly found in medicines, many household products and cosmetics. Medicines containing PEG include some tablets, laxatives, depot steroid injections, and some bowel preparations used for colonoscopy. Known allergy to PEG is rare but would contraindicate receipt of mRNA vaccines. It is unclear whether PEG is the only cause of allergic reactions in patients with systemic allergic symptoms after the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The rate of anaphylaxis reported to date to the AstraZeneca vaccine is in line with the expected rate of anaphylaxis to non-COVID vaccines. The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain PEG but does contain a related compound called polysorbate 80. Some people with PEG allergy may also be allergic to polysorbate 80. However, polysorbate 80 is widely used in medicines and foods, and is present in many medicines including monoclonal antibody preparations. Some injected influenza vaccines (including the main vaccine used in over 65 year olds) contain polysorbate 80. Individuals who have tolerated injections that contain polysorbate 80 (such as certain influenza vaccines) are likely to tolerate the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Figure 1: Management of patients with a history of allergy
The figure sets out advice on the management of patients with a history of allergy. It describes the characteristics of patients and when vaccine should proceed, where vaccination is contraindicated or where there are special precautions and a need for specialist advice.

Figure 2 shows the Green Chapter flowchart for managing patients who have allergic reactions to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Figure 2: Flowchart for managing patients who have allergic reactions to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
This figure is a flowchart for managing patients who have allergic reactions to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. It provides advice on the circumstances which require specialist advice and on when vaccination may proceed in any vaccination setting.

The COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book states individuals with non-allergic reactions (vasovagal episodes, non-urticarial skin reaction or non-specific symptoms) to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can receive the second dose of vaccine in any vaccination setting.

Individuals with a bleeding disorder may develop a haematoma at the injection site (see Route of Administration).

Because of the absence of data on co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines, it should not be routine to offer appointments to give this vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. Based on current information about the first COVID-19 vaccines being deployed, scheduling should ideally be separated by an interval of at least 7 days to avoid incorrect attribution of potential adverse events.

As AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is considered inactivated, where individuals in an eligible cohort present having received another inactivated or live vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination should still be considered. The same applies for other live and inactivated vaccines where COVID-19 vaccination has been received first. In many cases, vaccination should proceed to avoid any further delay in protection and to avoid the risk of the patient not returning for a later appointment. In such circumstances, patients should be informed about the likely timing of potential adverse events relating to each vaccine.

Syncope (fainting) can occur following, or even before, any vaccination especially in adolescents as a psychogenic response to the needle injection. This can be accompanied by several neurological signs such as transient visual disturbance, paraesthesia and tonic-clonic limb movements during recovery. It is important that procedures are in place to avoid injury from faints.

JCVI advise that there is no known risk associated with giving these types of vaccines during pregnancy. These vaccines cannot replicate, so they cannot cause infection in either the woman or the unborn child.

Although the available data do not indicate any safety concern or harm to pregnancy, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy.

JCVI advises that, for women who are offered vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination in pregnancy should be considered where the risk of exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection is high and cannot be avoided, or where the woman has underlying conditions that put them at very high risk of serious complications of COVID-19. In these circumstances, clinicians should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the woman, who should be told about the absence of safety data for the vaccine in pregnant women.

There is no known risk associated with giving non-live vaccines whilst breastfeeding. JCVI advises that breastfeeding women may be offered vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the woman's clinical need for immunisation against COVID-19, and the woman should be informed about the absence of safety data for the vaccine in breastfeeding women.

Category: Action if excluded

Description: Specialist advice should be sought on the vaccine and circumstances under which it could be given as vaccination using a patient specific direction may be indicated.

Individuals who are participating in a clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccines who present for vaccination should be referred back to the investigators.

In case of postponement due to acute illness, advise when the individual can be vaccinated and ensure another appointment is arranged.

In case of postponement due to COVID-19 symptoms or positive COVID test in the last four weeks advise when the individual can be vaccinated and how future vaccination may be accessed.

Document the reason for exclusion and any action taken in accordance with local procedures.

Category: Action if patient declines

Description: Advise the individual/carer about the protective effects of the vaccine, the risks of infection and potential complications if not immunised.

Advise how future immunisation may be accessed if they subsequently decide to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Document patient's declined consent and advice given.

2. Description of treatment

Category: Name of medicine

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]), solution for injection in a multi-dose container

AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant])

Category: Form/strength

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) solution for injection multi-dose vials containing:

5ml of solution in a 10-dose vial; or

4ml of solution in an 8-dose vial

Category: Route of administration

Description: Each vial contains at least the number of doses stated. It is normal for liquid to remain in the vial after withdrawing the final dose. When low dead volume syringes and/or needles are used, the amount remaining in the vial may be sufficient for an additional dose. Care should be taken to ensure a full 0.5 ml dose is administered. Where a full 0.5 ml dose cannot be extracted, the remaining volume should be discarded.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) must be administered by intramuscular (IM) injection preferably into the deltoid area of the upper arm. Where administration into the deltoid is not possible the anterolateral thigh can be considered.

Inspect visually prior to administration and ensure appearance is consistent with the description in the manufacturer's product literature or summary of product characteristics.

Individuals with bleeding disorders may be vaccinated intramuscularly if, in the opinion of a doctor familiar with individual's bleeding risk, vaccines or similar small volume intramuscular injections can be administered with reasonable safety by this route. If the individual receives medication/ treatment to reduce bleeding, for example treatment for haemophilia, intramuscular vaccination can be scheduled shortly after such medication/treatment is administered. Individuals on stable anticoagulation therapy, including individuals on warfarin who are up-to-date with their scheduled INR testing and whose latest INR is below the upper level of the therapeutic range, can receive intramuscular vaccination. A fine needle (23 or 25 gauge) should be used for the vaccination, followed by firm pressure applied to the site without rubbing for at least 2 minutes. The individual/parent/carer should be informed about the risk of haematoma from the injection.

The site at which each vaccine was given should be noted in the individual's records.

Category: Dosage

Description: The dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is 0.5mL

Category: Frequency

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) course consists of two separate doses of 0.5ml each, a minimum of 28 days apart.

Operationally, it is recommended in the COVID-19 chapter of Green Book that the second dose of all vaccines should be routinely scheduled between four and 12 weeks after the first dose. This will reduce confusion and allow more people to benefit from the protection provided from the first dose during the roll out phase. Longer term protection will then be provided by the second dose.

Individuals who are about to receive planned immunosuppressive therapy should be considered for vaccination prior to commencing therapy (ideally at least two weeks before), when their immune system is better able to make a response. Where possible, it would also be preferable for the 2-dose schedule to be completed prior to commencing immunosuppression. This would entail offering the second dose at the recommended minimum for that vaccine (three or four weeks from the first dose) to provide maximum benefit that may not be received if the second dose was given during the period of immunosuppression.

If an interval longer than the recommended interval is left between doses, the second dose should still be given (wherever possible using the same vaccine as was given for the first dose if possible). The course does not need to be restarted.

JCVI advises that the second vaccine dose should be with the same vaccine as for the first dose. Switching between vaccines or missing the second dose is not advised as this may affect the duration of protection.

There is no evidence on the interchangeability of the COVID-19 vaccines although studies are underway. Therefore, every effort should be made to determine which vaccine the individual received and to complete with the same vaccine. For individuals who started the schedule and who attend for vaccination at a site where the same vaccine is not available, or if the first product received is unknown, it is reasonable to offer a single dose of the locally available product. This option is preferred if the individual is likely to be at immediate high risk or is considered unlikely to attend again. In these circumstances, as both the vaccines are based on the spike protein, it is likely the second dose will help to boost the response to the first dose. For this reason, until additional information becomes available, further doses are not required.

Category: Duration of treatment

Description: See Dose and frequency of administration above.

Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are not yet recommended because the need for, and timing of, boosters has not yet been determined.

Category: Maximum or minimum treatment period

Description: See Frequency of administration above.

Category: Quantity to supply/administer

Description: Administer 0.5mL per administration.

Category: ▼ black triangle medicines

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) did not have a UK marketing authorisation at the time this protocol was written and is authorised for temporary supply in the UK in accordance with a Regulation 174 authorisation.

All adverse reactions occurring in individuals of any age after vaccination should be reported to the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) using the Coronavirus Yellow Card Scheme. Anyone can report a suspected adverse reaction to the MHRA using the Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting scheme https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Category: Legal category

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is provided temporary authorisation by the MHRA for supply in the UK under regulation 174 and 174A, pending UK marketing authorisation.

The regulation 174 authorised product is categorised as a prescription only medicine (POM).

Category: Is the use out with the SPC?

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is supplied in the UK in accordance with regulation 174 and did not have a UK marketing authorisation at the time of writing this protocol.

As part of the consent process, inform the individual/carer that this vaccine does not have a UK marketing authorisation but has been authorised for temporary supply in the UK by the MHRA and that it is being offered in accordance with national guidance.

Category: Storage requirements

Description: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) must be stored in a fridge between +2 to +8°C in accordance with manufacturer's advice.

During storage it is recommended that the vials are stored in the original packaging/cartons, away from direct sunlight to protect from light and kept upright.

NHS Board guidance on Storage and Handling of vaccines should be observed.

In the event of an inadvertent or unavoidable deviation of these conditions, vaccine that has been stored outside the conditions stated above should be quarantined and risk assessed for suitability of continued use or appropriate disposal.

After first use – use as soon as practically possible and within six hours. The vaccine may be stored between +2 and +25°C during the in-use period in accordance with manufacturer's advice. The vaccine vial has space to write the date and time that the vial was first punctured; write this on the vial label.

The manufacturer may advise of updated storage requirements and product stability as new data becomes available, vaccine may be stored in accordance with updated recommendations from the manufacturer.

Category: Additional information

Description: Minor illnesses without fever or systemic upset are not valid reasons to postpone immunisation. If an individual is acutely unwell, immunisation should be postponed until they have fully recovered.

There is no evidence of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID-19 antibody.

Vaccination of individuals who may be infected but asymptomatic or incubating COVID-19 infection is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the illness. Vaccination should be deferred in those with confirmed infection to avoid confusing the differential diagnosis. As clinical deterioration can occur up to two weeks after infection, ideally vaccination should be deferred until around four weeks after onset of symptoms or from the first PCR positive specimen in those who are asymptomatic.

Having prolonged COVID-19 symptoms is not a contraindication to receiving COVID-19 vaccine but if the patient is seriously debilitated, still under active investigation, or has evidence of recent deterioration, deferral of vaccination may be considered to avoid incorrect attribution of any change in the person's underlying condition to the vaccine.

3. Adverse reactions

Category: Warnings including possible adverse reactions and management of these

Description: From early phase trials, mild pain and tenderness at the injection site was common with COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) AstraZeneca occurring in 88% of 18-55 year olds, 73% of 56-69 year olds and 61% of people aged 70 years or over; similar levels were reported after each dose. Short lived systemic symptoms including fatigue and headache were also common but decreased with age, being reported in 86%, 77%, and 65% of those aged 18-55, 56-69 and 70 years or over respectively; most of these were classified as mild or moderate. These reactions were unusual after the second dose. Mild fever (>38˚C) was recorded in the first 48 hours for around a quarter of younger participants but was not reported in those over 55 years of age or in any age group after the second dose. Fever can be modified by the prophylactic use of paracetamol, which does not affect the immune response to this vaccine.

A protocol for the management of anaphylaxis and an anaphylaxis pack must always be available whenever AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is given. Immediate treatment should include early treatment with 0.5mg intramuscular adrenaline (0.5ml of 1:1000 or 1mg/ml adrenaline), with an early call for help and further IM adrenaline every 5 minutes. The health professionals overseeing the immunisation service must be trained to recognise an anaphylactic reaction and be familiar with techniques for resuscitation of a patient with anaphylaxis.

In the event of a severe adverse reaction individual should be advised to seek medical advice.

For full details/information on possible adverse reaction, refer to manufacturer's product literature or summary of product characteristics.

Category: Reporting procedure for adverse reactions

Description: Healthcare professionals and individuals/carers should report suspected adverse reactions to the MHRA using the Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting scheme on: https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

As this vaccine is labelled with a black triangle, all adverse reactions occurring in individuals of any age after vaccination should be reported to the MHRA using the Coronavirus Yellow Card Scheme. Anyone can report a suspected adverse reaction to the MHRA using the Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting scheme https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Any adverse reaction to a vaccine should be documented in accordance with locally agreed procedures in the individual's record and the individual's GP should be informed.

Anaphylaxis is a very rare, recognised side effect of most vaccines and suspected cases should be reported via the Coronavirus Yellow Card Scheme. Chapter 8 of the Green Book gives detailed guidance on distinguishing between faints, panic attacks and the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. If a case of suspected anaphylaxis meets the clinical features described in Chapter 8, this should be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme as a case of 'anaphylaxis' (or if appropriate 'anaphylactoid reaction'). Cases of less severe allergic reactions (i.e. not including the clinical features of anaphylaxis) should not be reported as anaphylaxis but as 'allergic reaction'.

Programmatic Adverse Events should be recorded in line with local procedures and where appropriate escalated in accordance with the national framework.

Category: Advice to patient or carer including written information

Description: Written information to be given to individual

  • Provide manufacturer's consumer information leaflet/patient information leaflet (PIL) provided with the vaccine.
  • Provide copy of Public Health Scotland post- vaccination leaflet
  • Provide copy of Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, a guide to COVID-19 vaccine to women of child bearing years

Individual advice / follow up treatment

  • Inform the individual/carer of possible side effects and their management.
  • Vaccinated individuals should be advised that it is common to develop a fever after vaccination and that this normally happens within 48 hours after the vaccination and usually goes away within 48 hours. This is a common, expected reaction, and self-isolation and testing for COVID-19 are not required unless the individual has other COVID-19 symptoms; has been told by NHS Test and Protect they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; they live with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19; or they live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Vaccinated individuals should be advised that if the fever started 48 hours after the vaccination or lasts longer than 48 hours, they should self-isolate and book a test.
  • Vaccinated individuals should be advised that feeling generally unwell, shivery, achy and tired were also symptoms commonly reported by vaccine recipients in the clinical trials. Generally, these symptoms were found to resolve within one to two days without treatment but paracetamol can be taken if necessary to relieve any of these symptoms.
  • As has always been recommended, any fever after vaccination should be monitored and if individuals are concerned about their health at any time, they should seek advice from their GP or NHS24
  • The individual should be advised to seek medical advice in the event of a severe adverse reaction.
  • Inform the individual that they can report suspected adverse reactions to the MHRA using the Yellow Card reporting scheme on: http://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
  • Immunosuppressed individuals should be advised that they may not make a full immune response to the vaccine and they should continue to take appropriate measures to protect themselves against this infection.
  • When administration is postponed advise the individual how future vaccination may be accessed
  • When applicable, advise the individual/carer when to return for vaccination or when a subsequent vaccine dose is due.

Category: Observation following vaccination

Description: As syncope (fainting) can occur following vaccination, all vaccinees should either be driven by someone else or should not drive for 15 minutes after vaccination.

Individuals with swelling or a localised urticarial (itchy) skin reaction (without systemic symptoms) to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine should receive the second dose of vaccine with prolonged observation (30 minutes) in any setting.

Category: Follow up

Description: Not applicable

Category: Additional facilities

Description: A protocol for the management of anaphylaxis and an anaphylaxis pack must always be available whenever AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is given. Immediate treatment should include early treatment with 0.5mg intramuscular adrenaline (0.5ml of 1:1000 or 1mg/ml adrenaline), with an early call for help and further IM adrenaline every 5 minutes. The health professionals overseeing the immunisation service must be trained to recognise an anaphylactic reaction and be familiar with techniques for resuscitation of a patient with anaphylaxis.

4. Audit Trail/Records

Name: Record/ audit trail

Description:

Record:

  • that valid informed consent was given
  • name of individual, address, date of birth and GP with whom the individual is registered
  • name of person that undertook assessment of individual's clinical suitability for vaccine
  • name of person that administered the vaccine
  • name and brand of vaccine
  • date of administration
  • dose, form and route of administration of vaccine
  • batch number
  • where possible expiry date
  • anatomical site of vaccination
  • advice given, including advice given if excluded or declines immunisation
  • details of any adverse drug reactions and actions taken
  • administered under protocol

Records should kept line with local procedures. Ideally records should be kept within the NHS Scotland COVID-19 vaccine administration app.

Local policy should be followed to encourage information sharing with the individual's General Practice.

All records should be clear, legible and contemporaneous.

5. References

Name: Additional references

Description: Immunisation against Infectious Disease [Green Book] https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england/series/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book

Immunisation against Infectious Disease [Green Book] COVID-19 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a

JCVI: advice on priority groups for COVID-19 vaccine 30 December 2020

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020

Manufacturer's product information/ Summary of Product Characteristics

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca

Educational resources for registered professionals produced by National Education for Scotland

https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/37676/immunisation/covid-19-vaccines

All relevant Scottish Government advice including the relevant CMO letter(s)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - vaccine: letter from the Chief Medical Officer updating on the vaccination programme - 1 January 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Contact

Email: Covid19VaccinePolicyMailbox@gov.scot

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