- The risk of a blood clot after Covid vaccination is about the same as on a long-haul flight, Matt Hancock, Health Secretary says
- Under-30s in the UK are to be offered an alternative Covid jab to the AstraZeneca vaccine
- There are more than enough Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for under-30s, the health secretary says
- The European regulator says unusual blood clots should be listed as very rare side effects of the AZ vaccine
Please be advised that we will be contacting any of our patients under 30 who are currently booked in to have the Astra Zeneca vaccine so that they can have an informed conversation with a GP to decide whether to have this vaccine or not. If not an alternative will be offered (Pfizer or Moderna) although we may not be able to offer an appointment date straight away due to supply levels.
If I’ve had a dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, what should I do?
If you have already had your first Astra Zeneca vaccine you should continue with your second dose appointment. You will not be able to switch vaccines at this stage. If you are under 30 and have had a jab, it means you’re at higher risk because of a health condition, or perhaps because you work in health or social care. That means the risk/benefit balance for you is probably still in favour of taking the vaccine.
Am I at risk from a clot after the second shot?
There have been no reports of the type of blood clots in question after a second dose. All 79 of the thrombocytopenia cases have been after first doses, and the JCVI advice is to ensure you continue have your second dose to ensure maximum protection.
If you are over 30 and have a vaccine appointment for your first or second dose please do not cancel your appointment. You will not get a choice of which vaccine to have unless there is a medical reason for you to have an alternative. If you have had your first dose already you will not be able to switch vaccines. It is your choice if you want to decline a first or second vaccine however you should balance and weigh the risks for you as a an individual and please be advised you may not be offered an alternative appointment.