Alberta pausing use of AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 55

“This is a precautionary measure that is being taken across Canada,” says Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, adding the cases in Europe require more investigation.

“While all available data shows no increase in the overall risk of blood clots for those who receive AstraZeneca, in a very small number of people who receive the vaccine, a blood clot in the brain was reported four to 20 days after the vaccine. These instances are rare and at this point seem to be linked to AstraZeneca, possibly through an immune response” Hinshaw says.

She says there is no evidence of any similar issues linked to the other vaccines that are being used in Alberta and there have been no reported cases of these blood clots following immunization in Alberta or anywhere in Canada.

“I want to assure you that anyone under the age of 55 who has already received a dose of Astra Zeneca is not considered to be at high risk of blood clots,” says Hinshaw.

She adds though that anytime anyone receives a vaccine or begins new medication, they should closely monitor their health.

AstraZeneca “remains a good choice for those who are at risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 who would otherwise have to wait several months to access a vaccine,” says Hinshaw.

Work is underway to determine which vaccine will be given for the second dose to those who got AstraZeneca as their first dose.

She also says the pause and the blood clots seen in Europe should not deter people from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

“The benefits of getting a vaccine far outweigh the small potential risks in groups more likely to have severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection such as those aged 55 and older.”

She said the province should still be able to meet its target to give a first dose to every adult Albertan who wants one by the end of June.

Hinshaw acknowledged that with cases rising again more restrictions may need to be put in place to slow the spread.

Hinshaw also said Phase 2B of the vaccine rollout will begin on March 30.

“This phase focuses on immunizing anyone with underlying health conditions that put them at high risk of severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19,” she says.

Cancer patients, transplant recipients and those with dementia are included in Phase 2B eligibility.

Alberta confirmed 544 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours out of about 8,300 tests. The positivity rate is about 6.5 per cent.

Of the 544 new cases, 249 are variants of concern, which now make up close to 27 per cent of all active cases.

Hinshaw’s next in-person update will be on Thursday.

by Chris Brown

Alberta pausing use of AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 55

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