Under-30s offered alternative to AstraZeneca jab
According to BBC, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised people aged 18 to 29 years, with no underlying health conditions, are to be offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine, due to reports of venous thromboembolism associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Source:
BBC Health News
SPS commentary:
A review by the MHRA found at the end of March found 79 people in the UK had suffered from rare blood clots after being vaccinated with the Astra Zeneca vaccine - 19 of whom died, although causality was not confirmed. However, for the vast majority of the population, the benefits of being vaccinated with this vaccine were still favourable.
The MHRA is now advising that those who have experienced venous thromboembolism after the first dose should not get their second dose but patients that did not should still receive their second dose. All patients with blood disorders should discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with their doctor before being vaccinated.
The SPC for the Astra Zeneca vaccine cautions use in those with thrombocytopenia and coagulation disorders.