AZ vaccine update

The MHRA have issued further information about the AstraZeneca vaccine for people who are at risk of blood clots because of their medical condition.

We have summarised the latest information here:

Firstly, the risks are very low. We do not believe we have had any cerebral vein clots in our patients thus far having given over 10,000 doses. It is clear that the benefits significantly outweigh any risk of harm from the Covid-19 AZ vaccine.

Second Doses

If patients have already had an AZ vaccine first dose, they should in general receive the AZ vaccine second dose unless they have any of the following conditions: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, thrombophilia, thrombocytopenia or antiphospholipid syndrome or having a blood clot caused by the vaccine (which are extremely rare).

If patients under 30yrs do not wish to have the AZ vaccine second dose (i.e. they had their first dose due to being high risk), they can choose, if they wish, to be on a waiting list for a Pfizer vaccine although it is unclear when this will be available locally and may lead to significant delay.

If patients are over 30yrs and are due a second dose of AZ vaccine, and do not have any of the conditions mentioned above, there will be no alternative vaccine offered and this may mean they only have one vaccination.

First Doses

For anyone over 30 years, and in priority groups 1-9, it is much safer for them to have the Covid-19 AZ vaccination and the benefits far outweigh the risks UNLESS they have any of the following conditions: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, thrombophilia, thrombocytopenia or antiphospholipid syndrome or having a blood clot (which are extremely rare). They will not be offered another vaccine type as we understand it currently as there is very little supply of any other vaccine.

For anyone under 30 years old, and unvaccinated and in priority groups 1-9 (only), it is preferable to have another vaccination such as Pfizer and the patients will need to be on a waiting list although we are unaware currently as to when this will be available.

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