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Astra Zeneca - what’s happening and why?
As of the 14th March, Ireland has suspended use of the AstraZeneca (AZ) Covid 19 vaccine. The authorities have taken the decision to temporarily halt the use of the AZ vaccine, following reports of blood clots in some European countries.
There is NO suggestion or evidence that these clots have been caused by the vaccine - in fact, the levels of blood clots are NO HIGHER in people who have had the vaccine than in the general population. To date, there is only 37 reports of blood clots across Europe, out of over 17 million doses given. This is much lower than the number you would expect to see.
There is no evidence to show that the vaccine has caused these blood clots, and no scientific reason why they should
So - why have they stopped using it? The simple answer is they are just being cautious. As part of the faster approval granted to all of the COVID vaccines, authorities such as the HPRA in Ireland and the EMA in the EU agreed to monitor all the data as it came in, and to act immediately if they had any concerns, no matter how small. In short, they are dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s all over again to make sure there are no risks, no matter how small.
What happens next? Once the data has been examined with a fine toothcomb all over again, it is highly likely that they will find no link to blood clots, and the vaccine will be reintroduced - hopefully within the next few days.
So, should you be concerned about getting the AZ vaccine? No! The safety data is excellent, the monitoring is excellent and it works. If you need any more comfort - I’m due for my second dose in a few weeks and I won’t be hesitating to get it.
In the meantime, make sure to get your information from reputable sources only, where the info is backed up with science. If in doubt, feel free to ask your pharmacist, doctor, nurse or midwife.
For further reading see:
Astra Zeneca - https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/update-on-the-safety-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca.html
HPRA - https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/news-events/item?t=/covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca---hpra-statement&id=e93d0f26-9782-6eee-9b55-ff00008c97d0
Transparency on vaccine approval and safety - https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/treatments-vaccines/transparency-exceptional-measures-covid-19-medicines