| | Recently there have been reports of an extremely rare condition involving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots. As a precautionary measure while this is being carefully reviewed, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has now advised that it is preferable for adults aged under 30, who don’t have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease, to be offered an alternative vaccine when it is their turn to be vaccinated. For those in this age group who have already had their first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and had no adverse reactions, they should still come forward for their second dose when invited, this includes people aged 18 to 29 years who are health and social care workers, unpaid carers and family members of those who are immunosuppressed. This condition can also occur naturally, and clotting problems are a common complication of COVID-19 infection. An increased risk has not yet been seen after other COVID-19 vaccines but is being carefully monitored. For people in older age groups, the JCVI has stated that the benefits of prompt vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine far outweigh the risks. For more information, visit COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
