COVAX benefits ‘far outweigh’ risks: TGA

ADVERSE event reports associated with COVID-19 vaccines (COVAX) are continuing to decline, with the latest Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) safety report showing the reporting rate had fallen to 2.7 per 1,000 doses.

The weekly update released yesterday revealed that as of 05 Sep 20,985,989 doses had been administered in Australia, with a total of 57,161 adverse events following immunisation reported.

“The most common adverse effects reported to the TGA following immunisation are predictable and have been observed with many vaccines,” the TGA report said.

“They include headache, muscle pain, fever, chills and injection site reactions for both vaccines.

“Large scale vaccination means that coincidentally some people will experience a new illness or die within a few days or weeks of vaccination.”

The TGA noted that it is continually monitoring COVAX, particularly “rare reports of blood clots with low blood platelets, which have been found to be linked to the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine”.

“Early detection of this syndrome may help to prevent more serious complications developing and guidance for health professionals is now available,” the TGA said.

In the last week, an additional seven reports of blood clots and low blood platelets have been assessed as confirmed or probable thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

“None of these cases was fatal.” “The protective benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 far outweigh the potential risks of vaccination.”