Effective immediately, Newfoundland and Labrador has suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine on adults under 55 years of age following new guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
New guidelines from NACI cites reports from Europe of rare instances of pro-thrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) in people 4 to 20 days after receiving the vaccine.
The Department of Health and Community Services encourages anyone who received the AstraZeneca vaccine in the past 20 days to watch for the following symptoms, and seek medical attention if any arise:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Leg swelling
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Sudden onset of severe or persistent worsening headaches
- Blurred vision
- Skin bruising (other than at the site of vaccination)
People aged 55 and older may still be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine, and Health Canada maintains that the vaccine is safe and effective.
Health Canada says there have been no cases of AstraZeneca-related blood clotting events reported in this country to date.
This update is currently underway. More information will be added as it becomes available.