The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, developed by University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, is a viral vector vaccine designed to protect against the COVID-19 virus. It uses a harmless version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) from chimpanzees, which has been modified to carry genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This helps the body recognize and fight the virus if exposed in the future. The vaccine is administered in two doses, typically given 4 to 12 weeks apart. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The vaccine is stored at standard refrigerator temperatures, making it easier to distribute, especially in low-resource settings.