DHSC publishes JCVI statement on the AstraZeneca vaccine for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Article summary

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published a statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Following the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, there have been reports of rare cases of concurrent thrombosis (blood clots) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Data available suggests there may be a trend for increasing occurence with decreasing age, particularly within younger adult age groups. The statement highlights that the benefits of prompt vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine outweighs the risks for those over the age of 30 and individuals who have underlying health conditions. JCVI has advised individuals who have received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to proceed to receive the second dose of the vaccine, as there have been no reports of thrombolytic events after the second dose of the vaccine.