Chief Medical Officer of Health – Dr Jennifer Russell – says two more cases of a “rare blood clot” linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine have been confirmed in the province. Both are people in their fifties who received a dose of the vaccine in mid-April. One experienced symptoms about 11 days later while the other developed symptoms about 19 days later.
Russell says both have received treatment and one is now recovered while the other remains in hospital. This brings to 4 the number of people who have developed the “rare” blood clots. Earlier this month Russell reported a person in their sixties had died after developing the condition while another in their thirties was treated and recovered. Russell admits “We have experienced a higher-than-average number of cases of VITT compared to the global numbers, which can happen. However, AstraZeneca remains an important tool in our fight against COVID-19. I encourage those who are eligible to follow the guidance of Public Health and get vaccinated.”
The vaccine continues to be offered to those who have received a first dose of AstraZeneca and want a second dose of the same vaccine. It also remains an option for anyone 55 and older who are house bound and cannot access Pfizer or Moderna vaccines due their special handling requirements. Public Health says this is done with the informed consent of the person. Meantime – health officials continue to assess use of the vaccine “based on expert advice and an assessment of risks and benefits.”
And good news for those 30 and over – you are now eligible to receive your first dose of COVID vaccine through clinics offered by the Horizon and Vitalite Health Networks or through participating pharmacies. You must book an appointment for your shot. For health network clinics click here and for participating pharmacies click here.
