Ontario has confirmed its first case of rare blood clotting linked to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
According to provincial health officials, the man in his 60s is currently recovering at home after receiving his first dose of the vaccine. No further details were provided, citing patient privacy.
This is fourth reported case in Canada of the rare blood-clotting reaction, which is associated with low platelets and is known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).
More than 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in Canada to date and Health Canada has said the benefits outweigh the risks.
“We have confirmed the first case of the rare blood clotting condition known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia in Ontario,” wrote Chief Medical Officer of Health Doctor David Williams in a statement Friday morning.
After blood clots appeared in patients elsewhere in the world, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended the AstraZeneca shot only be given to those over the age of 55. However, Ontario is now offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to individuals aged 40 years and over to combat COVID-19 and Williams insists the vaccine is safe.
“While these serious reactions remain extremely rare, we have a robust process in place to monitor for any adverse events and have taken steps to ensure that these events are identified and treated as quickly as possible,” continued the statement.
Health Canada has deemed the vaccine against COVID-19, and others, to be safe for use. READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE.
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