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. 2022 Jun 14;40(35):5248–5262. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.008

Table 1.

Standardized Template V2.0 for Collection of Key Information for Risk Assessment of Viral Vaccine Candidates.

Benefit-Risk Assessment of VAccines by TechnolOgy Working Group (BRAVATO; ex-V3SWG) Standardized Template V2.0 for Collection of Key Information for Risk Assessment of Viral Vaccine Candidates
1. Authorship Information
1.1. Author(s) Pedro M Folegatti, Daniel Jenkin, Susan Morris, Sarah Gilbert
1.2. Date completed/updated June 10, 2022
2. Basic vector information Information
2.1 Vector name ChAdOx1
2.2. Vector origin Family/Genus/Species/subtype E1/E3 deleted Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25 with human Adenovirus serotype 5 E4 orf4, 6 and 6/7 genes (Adenoviridae,Mastadenovirus, Human mastadenovirus E, Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25)
2.3. Vector replication in humans (replicating or non-replicating) Non-replicating
3. Characteristics of the wild type virus from which the vector is derived Information Comments/Concerns Reference(s)

3.1 Name of wild type virus (common name; Family/Genus/Species/subtype) Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25; Adenoviridae;Mastadenovirus; Human mastadenovirus E; Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25 ChAdOx1 is an E1/E3 deleted Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25 with human Adenovirus serotype 5 E4 orf4, 6 and 6/7 genes [16], [67]
3.2 What is the natural host for the wild type virus? Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Humans and other mammals are known to be the natural hosts for adenoviruses of the Mastadenovirus genus. However, chimpanzees remain the only natural host known for Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25. [68], [69]
3.3. How is the wild type virus normally transmitted? Aerosolized droplets or fecal-oral spread [70], [71]
3.4. Does the wild type virus establish a latent or persistent infection? Yes Simian hosts may persistently shed the virus from gastrointestinal tract. [72]
3.5. Does the wild type virus replicate in the nucleus? Yes Adenoviruses replicate as linear, extra-chromosomal DNA elements in the nucleus [73]
3.6. What is the risk of integration into the human genome? Low risk Wild type adenovirus DNA is unlikely to integrate into the host genome, as it remains in an episomal state in the nucleus. The European Medicines Agency considers adenoviruses as non-integrating vectors [74], [75]
3.7. List any disease manifestations caused by the wild type virus, the strength of evidence, severity, and duration of disease for the following categories: There is limited literature available on clinical presentation of simian adenoviruses on natural host and none, to our knowledge, for Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25. There is some evidence of cross species transmission between human and simian adenoviruses from antibody and genetic diversity studies. There is one report of clinical disease in humans with limited onward human-to-human transmission from a new world monkey adenovirus. The clinical implications of human infection from wild type Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25 remain unknown. [17], [70], [71], [76], [77], [78]
In the healthy natural host Clinically apparent adenovirus infections of the respiratory tract are characterized by cough. Keratoconjunctivitis and diarrhea may also occur. Most animals, but especially adults recover within a week to 10 days. Except in neonates, mortality is generally low Clinical presentation of Chimpanzee adenovirus Y25 is unknown for natural host [70], [71]
In healthy human host Unknown
In immunocompromised humans Unknown
In human neonates, infants, children Unknown
During pregnancy and in the unborn in humans Unknown
In any other special populations? Unknown
3.8. What cell types are infected and what receptors are used in the natural host and in humans? Epithelial and endothelial cells expressing Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) Although not fully defined for Y25 other simian adenoviruses, (Ch63 and Ch68) and human adenovirus 4 of species E use CAR for cell entry. [69], [79], [80], [81]
3.9. What is known about the mechanisms of immunity to the wild type virus? Unknown
3.10 Has disease enhancement been demonstrated with the wild type virus: No No disease enhancement has been described for Adenovirus infections. However, enhancement of HIV infection acquisition has been previously reported with a Ad5 vectored vaccine expressing HIV antigens. There is no evidence of COVID-19 enhancement following immunization with Ad5, Ad26 or ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines. [6], [82]
● in vitro? No
● in animal models? No
● in human hosts? No
3.11 Is DE a possible contributor to the pathogenesis of wild type disease No
3.12 What is the background prevalence of natural immunity to the virus? Low level natural immunity to the virus British and Gambian adults were analyzed using virus neutralization assays against Chimpanzee Y25. The percentage of individuals having a clinically relevant neutralizing titer (defined as a 50% neutralization titer greater than 200) were 0% for Y25 in UK adults (n = 100); and 9% for Y25 in Gambian adults (n = 57). [17]
3.13 Is there any vaccine available for the wild-type virus? If yes, No
● What populations are immunized? N/A
● What is the background prevalence of artificial immunity? N/A The prevalence of ChAdOx1 vector immunity is likely to increase with deployment of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222).
3.14 Is there treatment available for the disease caused by the wild type virus N/A Cidofovir is the drug of choice for severe AdV infections in humans, but not all patients require treatment. [83]
4. Characteristics of the vector from which vaccine(s) may be derived Information Comments/ Concerns Reference(s)
4.1 Describe the source of the vector (e.g. isolation, synthesis) The wild type chimpanzee adenovirus isolate Y25 was originally obtained from William Hillis, John Hopkins University of Medicine. The virus was passaged in HEK293A cells and purified by CsCl gradient ultracentrifugation. Viral DNA was phenol extracted and cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing Y25 LFI/II and RFI by recombination in such a manner as to delete E1 region. The E3 region was deleted by recombineering. The E4 region was modified by recombineering to replace the native E4 orf 4, orf 6 and orf 6/7 with those from Human Adenovirus serotype 5. The E1 region was modified to allow insertion of antigen expression cassette. [15]
4.2. What is the basis of attenuation/inactivation of the wild type virus to create the vector? The E1 region encoding the viral transactivator proteins is deleted rendering the vector replication incompetent. [84]
4.3. What is known about the replication, transmission and pathogenicity of the vector in humans in the following categories: Non replicating in humans therefore no transmission.
in healthy people N/A
in immunocompromised people N/A
in neonates, infants, children N/A
during pregnancy and in the unborn N/A
in gene therapy experiments N/A
in any other special populations N/A
4.4. Is the vector replication-competent in non-human species? No
4.5. What is the risk of reversion to virulence or recombination with wild type virus or other agents? Low risk. Reversion to virulence would require the acquisition of a functional E1 region. Recombination with wild type Y25 is possible but unlikely as Y25 and other simian adenoviruses are not widely distributed in the human population. Recombination with other adenovirus species would require significant homology in the E1 flanking regions. These regions contain essential packaging motifs and other genes, therefore the number of possible recombination events to generate a replication competent virus is very small. Recombination with E1 producer cell lines during manufacturing process is theoretically possible. Prevalence of virus neutralizing antibodies (titer greater than 1:200) against ChAdY25 in serum samples collected from two human populations in the UK and Gambia was low. The wild type virus is not widely present in the general population Testing for recombinant-competent adenoviruses is conducted at all times ahead of vaccine release. [17], [85]
4.6 Is the vector genetically stable in vitro and/or in vivo? Yes The viral vector backbone is genetically stable in vitro.
4.7. What is the potential for shedding and transmission to humans or other species? None as this vector does not replicate.
4.8. Does the vector establish a latent or persistent infection? No
4.9. Does the vector replicate in the nucleus? No
4.10. What is the risk of integration into the human genome? Low risk See 3.6
4.11. Is there any previous human experience with this or a similar vector (safety and immunogenicity records)? Yes, multiple phase I/II clinical trials have been conducted or are underway on ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, meningococcal B, hepatitis B, prostate cancer, HIV, MERS-CoV, Chikungunya, Zika, and Plague and SARS-CoV-2. Phase III clinical trials were conducted on ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and the vaccine has now been deployed to [54] over two billion persons in multiple different countries. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04121494, NCT03681860, NCT03815942, NCT03203421, NCT03590392, NCT04015648, NCT03399578, NCT04170829, NCT04297917, NCT04364035, NCT03204617 ISRCTN46336916, ISRCTN41077863 [42], [43], [47], [48], [52], [86]
4.12. What cell types are infected and what receptors are used in humans? See 3.8
4.13. What is known about the mechanisms of immunity to the vector? Neutralizing antibodies to ChAdOx1 are induced post prime vaccinations. A homologous second dose does not seem to boost these responses against the vector. A homologous second dose is able to significantly boost binding and neutralizing antibodies to the vaccine antigen. The impact of anti-vector immunity on antibody and cellular responses to different vaccine antigens remains unclear and further work is required but appears to be low. [87], [88]
4.14 Has disease enhancement been demonstrated with the vector: No
● in vitro? No Antibody dependent enhancement to Dengue has been assessed in vitro for a ChAdOx1 vectored vaccine expressing Zika virus antigens [23]
● in animal models? No ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing Nipah, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens have been used in pre-clinical challenge or natural transmission studies in mice, camels and Non-Human-Primates with no evidence of disease enhancement. [22], [26], [27], [45], [89]
● in human hosts? No There has been no evidence of disease enhancement to date, either from clinical trials of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or from COVID-19 vaccine roll-out [52]
4.15. Is there antiviral treatment available for disease manifestations caused by the vector? See 3.14
4.16. Can the vector accommodate multigenic inserts or will several vectors be required for multigenic vaccines? This vector can accommodate multigenic inserts but with a limit on transgene size up to 8kbp, include the required promoter and terminator sequences
5. Characteristics of vector-based vaccine(s) Information Comments/ Concerns Reference(s)
5.1. What is the target pathogen? Any pathogen expressing proteins that would generate a protective immune response Multiple clinical trials have been conducted or are underway on ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, meningococcal B, hepatitis B, prostate cancer, HIV, MERS-CoV, Chikungunya, Zika, Plague, and SARS-CoV-2. Pre-clinical work which is expected to lead into clinical trials in the near future include ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing Ebola (Bivalent), Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Nipah and Lassa antigens. See 4.11 [22], [24], [25]
5.2. What is the identity and source of the transgene? All transgenes are synthesized and cloned into a shuttle vector containing the promoter and poly A sequence. The expression cassette is inserted into the adenovirus BAC by recombination. Cytoplasm-evolved genes were not optimized for nuclear expression in ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines. Transcriptomics and proteomics data of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 gene expression in human cell lines show that rare transgene transcripts with aberrant splice patterns can be detected at a very low level. However, no protein is transcribed from them. Aberrant splicing, therefore, seems to be a theoretical concern only [90]
5.3. Is the transgene likely to induce immunity to all strains/genotypes of the target pathogen? This is dependent on the transgene used. For ChAdOx1 MERS, consistent neutralizing activity has been observed across different MERS-CoV isolates. Pre-clinical work on a ChAdOx1 vectored vaccine expressing Nipah virus antigens have shown cross protection against homologous and heterologous challenge (Nipah Bangladesh and Malaysia). Decreased neutralizing activity has been observed across different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern compared to the original strain. [22], [84], [91], [92]
5.4. Where in the vector genome is the transgene inserted? Insertion at the E1 locus for single valent vaccines or E1 and E4 for multivalent vaccines.
5.5. Does the insertion of the transgene involve deletion or other rearrangement of any vector genome sequences? The E3 genes are deleted in addition to E1 genes. E3 gene products are immunomodulatory and non-essential for in vitro vector growth.
5.6. How is the transgene expression controlled (transcriptional promoters, etc.)? Cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter with or without intron A sequence. Polyadenylation sequence is from bovine growth hormone gene or SV40.
5.7. Does insertion or expression of the transgene affect the pathogenicity or phenotype of the vector? No, the vector remains structurally the same. Deletion of E1, to allow for insertion of the transgene, renders the virus replication incompetent.
5.8. Is the vaccine replication-competent in humans or other species? No
5.9. What is the risk of reversion to virulence or recombination with wild type or other agents? See 4.5
5.10. Is the vaccine genetically stable in vitro and/or in vivo? This depends on the size of the expression cassette and the nature of the transgene product. See 4.6
5.11. What is the potential for shedding and transmission to humans or other species? None as this vector does not replicate.
5.12. Does the vaccine establish a latent or persistent infection? No
5.13. Does the vaccine replicate in the nucleus? No
5.14. What is the risk of integration into the human genome? Low risk See 3.6
5.15. List any disease manifestations caused by the vaccine in humans, the strength of evidence, severity, and duration of disease for the following categories: See 4.11.
In healthy people Dose dependent reactogenicity following several ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines have been reported as part phase I clinical trials. Commonly reported adverse events include local (injection site pain) and systemic (headache, fatigue, feverishness/chills, malaise). Most adverse events have been mild or moderate in severity and self-limiting in nature. Onset of local and systemic AEs usually take place within 24–48 h post vaccine administration. Objective fever (T ≥ 38oC) has been reported in approximately 7.6% of individuals. A second dose is markedly less reactogenic. A very rare and serious combination of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), in some cases accompanied by bleeding, has been observed following vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 during post-authorization use. This includes cases presenting as venous thrombosis, including unusual sites such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, splanchnic vein thrombosis, as well as arterial thrombosis, concomitant with thrombocytopenia. The majority of the events occurred within the first 21 days following vaccination and some events had a fatal outcome. Very rare cases of Guillan-Barre Syndrome and Capillary Leak Syndrome have been observed following vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 during post-authorization use [42], [43], [46], [47], [86], [93]
In immunocompromised people There are ongoing clinical trials of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines (HIV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens) in people living with well controlled HIV, with no safety concerns reported to date. Compared with participants without HIV, no difference was found in magnitude or persistence of SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific humoral or cellular responses NCT04444674, NCT04400838, NCT03204617, NCT04364035, NCT04805216, NCT04878822 [94]
In neonates, infants, children There is an ongoing clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in children aged between 6 and 17. No safety concerns have been reported to date. ISRCTN15638344
During pregnancy and in the unborn Not assessed Accidental pregnancies have occurred during COVID-19 clinical trials. Pregnant volunteers are being followed until 3 months post live birth and pregnancy outcomes being recorded, which will generate some data on safety of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines during pregnancy and in the unborn. A pregnancy registry of women exposed to the ChAdOx1 vectored COVID-19 vaccine immediately before or during pregnancy as part of an international consortium is planned. A DART study has been completed and maternal immunization studies are now planned. Unpublished
In any other special populations Older adults with comorbidities have been included in clinical trials of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines (Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 antigens). The reactogenicity profile is milder in older age groups after prime compared to young adults, with similar immune responses after a second dose. ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines have been administered to adults with Prostate Cancer with similar reactogenicity profile. Clinical trials of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines in chronic Hepatitis B and HPV patients are underway. NCT04607850, NCT04297917 [43], [48], [53]
5.16. What cell types are infected and what receptors are used in humans? See 3.8 Any transgene expressed from the vaccine would not alter cell tropism Adenoviruses are comprised of a protein capsid and do not incorporate foreign proteins into their structure.
5.17. What is known about the mechanisms of immunity to the vaccine? Immune responses will vary depending on the antigen. ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines have consistently shown to induce binding and neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses. [18], [42], [43], [46], [47], [48], [53], [86], [93]
5.18 Has disease enhancement been demonstrated with the vaccine: No
● in vitro? See 4.14
● in animal models? See 4.14
● in human hosts? See 4.14
5.19 What is known about the effect of pre-existing immunity, including both natural immunity and repeat administration of the vector or the vaccine, on ‘take’, safety or efficacy in any animal model or human studies using this vector? See 4.13. Vaccine reactogenicity does not seem to vary according to target disease serostatus at baseline or pre-existing anti-vector responses. [93]
5.20. Is the vaccine transmissible in humans or other species (including arthropods) and/or stable in the environment? No
5.21. Are there antiviral or other treatments available for disease manifestations caused by the vaccine? See 3.14. Prophylactic paracetamol has been shown to reduce severity of AEs reported post vaccine administration. There are currently no robust data to inform clinical management of vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. In the absence of published evidence, there are pragmatic guidelines based on experience of managing the initial cases, alternative similar conditions and the theoretical risks and benefits of interventions. As evidence emerges, recommendations are expected to change. Patient management should be individualized according to specific circumstances. [46]
5.22. Vaccine formulation Liquid solution for injection. Known thermostability at 2–8 °C
5.23. Proposed route of vaccine administration Intramuscular
5.24 Target populations for the vaccine (e.g pediatric, maternal, adult, elderly etc.) Currently adults aged over 18 Pediatric studies are in progress and maternal immunization studies are planned.
6. Toxicology and potency (Pharmacology) of the vector Information Comments/ Concerns Reference(s)
6.1. What is known about the replication, transmission and pathogenicity of the vector in and between animals? Non-replicating vector so no transmission regardless of species.
6.2. For replicating vectors, has a comparative virulence and viral kinetic study been conducted in permissive and susceptible species? (yes/no) If not, what species would be used for such a study? Is it feasible to conduct such a study? n/a
6.3. Does an animal model relevant to assess attenuation exist? No Replication competent adenovirus assays are conducted in permissive cells alongside examination for the presence of virus-induced cytopathic effect.
6.4. Does an animal model for safety including immuno-compromised animals exist? Standard toxicology studies conducted in mice Unpublished
6.5. Does an animal model for reproductive toxicity exist? A DART study has been completed in mice with no detrimental effects observed in pregnancy, embryofetal development, parturition or post-natal development See reference for further details [95]
6.6. Does an animal model for immunogenicity and efficacy exists? Mice, target species (e.g., Camel for MERS-CoV; sheep/cattle/goat for Rift Valley Fever), Non-Human-Primates, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, cats. [22], [26], [27], [32], [35], [45], [47], [89]
6.7 Does an animal model for antibody enhanced disease or immune complex disease exist? Immunopathology studies have been conducted in mice and NHPs following challenge studies of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. However, there are no established models to assess disease enhancement. [26], [27], [45]
6.8. What is known about biodistribution in animal models or in humans? Biodistribution studies in mice have been conducted for ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing Hepatitis B and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. No shedding was detected in urine or fecal samples. Virus was primarily detected at the injection site immediately after injection, and at draining lymph nodes. Distribution to some samples of other tissues (liver, lung, spleen, bone marrow, heart, liver, ovary and testes) was noted on day 2. The levels of ChAdOx1 vector DNA and the number of tissues with detectable levels of ChAdOx1 vector DNA decreased from Day 2 to later timepoints (day 29 and day 56), indicating elimination. Biodistribution studies are more informative when a replication-competent virus is administered since the amount of virus present in the subject (experimental animal or human volunteer) will increase following injection, and some viruses have a known propensity to accumulate in particular organs. However, replication-deficient viruses are known to infect cells at the injection site, and although some infectious viral particles may drain to local lymph nodes and travel through the blood to other sites in the body, concentrations of virus at these sites are very low after dilution in the blood and other tissues. [96]
6.9 What is the evidence that vector derived vaccines will generate a beneficial immune response in:
Small animal models? Binding and Neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses [22], [26], [27], [32], [35], [44], [23], [89], [34], [97]
Nonhuman primates (NHP)? Binding and Neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses [27], [45]
Human? Binding and Neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses [18], [42], [43], [46], [47], [48], [53], [86], [93]
6.10. Have challenge or efficacy studies been conducted in subjects with:
HIV? No Safety and immunogenicity studies have been conducted (See 5.15)
Other diseases? No
6.11 Have studies been done simultaneously or sequentially administering more than one vector with different transgenes? Is there evidence for interaction/interference? Clinical trials of simultaneous vaccine administration of 2 ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines expressing 2 different transgenes (Zika and Chikungunya) are planned. Participants who previously received any ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines have been invited to receive ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 as part of a phase II COVID-19 vaccine trial, with no differences in binding antibody titres compared to ChAdOx1 naïve individuals. NCT04015648, NCT04440774, NCT04400838 [88]
7. Adverse Event (AE) Assessment of the Vector (*see Instructions): Information Comments/ Concerns Reference(s)
7.1. Approximately how many humans have received this viral vector vaccine to date? If variants of the vector, please list separately. ________________ Over 30,000 people as part of clinical trials and [54] over two billion persons as part of COVID-19 vaccine roll out in more than 180 countries NCT04121494, NCT03681860, NCT03815942, NCT03203421, ISRCTN46336916, NCT04170829, NCT03590392, NCT04015648, NCT04440774, NCT04297917, NCT04778904, NCT04607850, NCT03204617, NCT04364035, ISRCTN89951424, PACTR202005681895696, ISRCTN15638344, NCT04516746, CTRI/2020/08/027170, NCT04568031 [42], [43], [46], [47], [48], [52], [53], [86]
7.2. Method(s) used for safety monitoring:
Spontaneous reports/passive surveillance Yes Post implementation surveillance from regulatory agencies
Diary Yes 28 days________
  • Other active surveillance

Yes SAEs and AESIs at each follow-up visit____________________________
7.3. What criteria was used for grading the AE’s?
2007 US FDA Guidance for Industry Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials No
If no or other, please describe: Toxicity grading scales have been adapted from the 2007 US FDA Guidance
7.4. List and provide frequency of any related or possibly related serious* AE’s observed: (*see Instructions): Pre-introduction clinical trials: short segment, spinal cord demyelination (n = 1) Post-introduction: 1) Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS; also known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)); 2) Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS); 3) Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP); 4) Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS); 1) ∼ 2/100,000 doses reporting rate to passive surveillance; 2) six cases reported to European and two cases to Australian authorities; 3) safety signal; 4) ∼ 1/100,000 doses reporting rate to passive surveillance [52], [98], [99], [100], [101], [109]
7.5. List and provide frequency of any serious, unexpected AE: See 7.4
7.6. List and provide frequency of any serious, unexpected statistically significantly increased AE or lab abnormality in vaccinee vs. control group: Pre-introduction clinical trials: Transient mild haematological changes from baseline of no clinical significance are expected following ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines (leucopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia) Post-Introduction: See 7.4
Describe the control group: __________. Pre-Introduction: MenACWY and/or normal saline
7.7. List and provide frequency of Adverse Events of Special Interest Pre-Introduction: Serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest balanced across the study arms Post-Introduction: See 7.4 [52]
7.8. Did Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) or its equivalent oversee the study? Yes
Did it identify any safety issue of concern? No
If so describe:
8. Overall Risk Assessment of the Vector Information Comments/ Concerns Reference(s)
8.1. Please summarize key safety issues of concern identified to date, if any: Pre-Introduction: No significant safety issues were identified in clinical trials of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines. One clinical trial participant developed short segment spinal cord demyelination episode 14 days post a booster dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 which was deemed possibly related to the vaccine. Post-Introduction: TTS, in some cases accompanied by bleeding, has been observed very rarely following post-authorization vaccination. This includes severe cases presenting as venous thrombosis, including unusual sites such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, splanchnic vein thrombosis, as well as arterial thrombosis, concomitant with thrombocytopenia Mortality reduced from ∼ 50% to < 5% with early treatment. The majority of these cases occurred within the first three weeks following vaccination Very rare cases events of CLS, ITP, and GBS Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Capillary Leak Syndromedemyelinating disorders have been reported following vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AstraZeneca. A causal relationship has not been established. TTS seems to occur primarily after the first dose. TTS after the second dose seems to occur within background expected rates The benefits of protection against severe COVID-19 and death outweighs the risks of vaccine induced TTS in most settings, especially with mitigation of risks when possible. There is currently insufficient evidence as to whether TTS is associated more broadly with adenovirus vectors or are specific to the ChAd and Ad26 COVID vaccines. [52], [57], [102], [103], [104]
how should they be addressed going forward: All of the identified risks should be treated as AESIs in clinical trials of ChAdOx1 vectored vaccines TTS: Healthcare professionals should be alert to the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism and/or thrombocytopenia. Those vaccinated should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, leg pain, persistent abdominal pain following vaccination. Additionally, anyone with neurological symptoms including severe or persistent headaches, blurred vision, confusion or seizures after vaccination, or who experiences skin bruising (petechia) beyond the site of vaccination after a few days, should seek prompt medical attention. Individuals diagnosed with thrombocytopenia within three weeks after vaccination with Vaxzevria, should be actively investigated for signs of thrombosis. Similarly, individuals who present with thrombosis within three weeks of vaccination should be evaluated for thrombocytopenia. CLS: Patients with an acute episode of CLS following vaccination require prompt recognition and treatment. Intensive supportive therapy is usually warranted. Individuals with a known history of CLS should not receive this vaccine. ITP: If an individual has a history of ITP, the risk of developing low platelet levels should be considered before vaccination, and platelet monitoring is recommended after vaccination GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome Demyelinating disorders): Healthcare professionals should be alert of demyelinating disorders signs and symptoms to ensure correct diagnosis, in order to initiate adequate supportive care and treatment, and to rule out other causes. While there is currently a lack of robust data to definitively establish standard of care of TTS, similarities to heparin induced thrombocytopenia, expert opinion, and case reports suggest, at the time of writing, that management should include the use of non-heparin-based anticoagulants and consideration of treatment with IVIG. However, heparin should not be withheld in acute VITT if no other therapeutic option is available. Patient management should be individualized according to specific circumstances. [99], [105], [106], [107], [108]
8.2. What is the potential for causing serious unwanted effects and toxicities in: Please rate risk as: none, minimal, low, moderate, high, or unknown
healthy humans? TTS, CLS, ITP and GBS Low
  • immunocompromised humans?

TTS, CLS, ITP and GBS Unknown
  • Human neonates, infants, children?

TTS, CLS, ITP and GBS Unknown
  • pregnancy and in the unborn in humans?

TTS, CLS, ITP and GBS Unknown
  • in any other special populations.

TTS, CLS, ITP and GBS Low
8.3. What is the potential for shedding and transmission in risk groups? None, as the vector is replication deficient