AstraZeneca Finds No Link Between COVID-19 Vaccine and Blood Clots

Strategic Insights -

AstraZeneca's safety review of over 17 million people who received its COVID-19 vaccine in the EU and the UK found no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or thrombocytopenia. The review was conducted after several countries temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine due to reports of blood clots. Despite these concerns, European health authorities and the World Health Organization have backed AstraZeneca's claim, stating that there is no indication that the vaccine is linked to clots.

Key Takeaways:

  • AstraZeneca conducted a safety review of over 17 million people who received its COVID-19 vaccine in the EU and the UK, finding no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots.
  • The review was conducted after several countries temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine, including Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
  • Peter English, a retired British government consultant in communicable disease control, expressed disapproval for the countries' decision to stop vaccinations, stating that it risks harming the goal of vaccinating enough people to slow the spread of the virus.
  • European health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency, have backed AstraZeneca's claim, stating that there is no indication that the vaccine is linked to clots.
  • The World Health Organization also echoed the agency's statement, supporting AstraZeneca's safety review.
  • AstraZeneca is conducting additional testing with European health authorities, and none of the re-tests so far have shown any cause for concern.
  • Ireland is the latest country to suspend its use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, citing concerns over blood clots.

Statistics:

  • 17 million people received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the EU and UK.
  • 3 health workers in Norway were hospitalized for bleeding, blood clots, and low count of blood platelets after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
  • Several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Ireland, have temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Sources:

  • Reuters: "AstraZeneca says its COVID-19 vaccine data shows no increased risk of blood clots"
  • Reuters: "Norway investigates reports of blood clots, low platelet count after AstraZeneca vaccine"
  • CNBC: "Covid: Ireland, Netherlands suspend AstraZeneca vaccine amid blood clot fears"