Ontario confirms first case of rare blood clot linked to AstraZeneca
Posted April 23, 2021 10:16 am.
Last Updated April 23, 2021 5:19 pm.
Ontario has confirmed its first case of a rare blood clot linked to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement Friday:
“We have confirmed the first case of the rare blood clotting condition known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in Ontario. The patient is a male in his 60s who had received his first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine. The patient has received treatment and is recovering at home.”
This case marks the fourth case of VITT out of more than 1.1 million doses of the vaccine that have been administered in Canada to date.
NEW: Ontario is confirming its first case of an extremely rare blood clot that may be linked to the Astra Zeneca vaccine. The patient is recovering at home.
That means a total of 4 cases in Canada out of more than 1.1-million doses administered #cdnpoli— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) April 23, 2021
Williams adds that while the serious reaction remains extremely rare, his team has a robust process in place to monitor for any adverse events and have taken steps to make sure that these specific cases are identified and treated as quickly as possible.
All COVID-19 vaccines available in the province have been determined to be safe and effective by Health Canada, and have been shown to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has recommended the shot for people aged 30 and up.
Health Canada has approved the vaccine for all adults and NACI doctors emphasize each province and region will set its own policy on vaccination.
RELATED: NACI recommends to lower AstraZeneca vaccine eligibility to 30-plus, Ontario sticking with over 40
Ontario will continue to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to those 40 and up at the time of vaccination.
In the statement, Williams says this approach is helping to maximize the number of people protected as quickly as possible to prevent further transmission and the much higher risks that come from COVID-19 infection.
“The Health Canada approved vaccines are the best way to protect your health and those around you. Ontarians are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and monitor their health after receiving their vaccination.”
