‘Blood clots more likely with COVID-19 than vaccine’
IF conditions such as blood clots or bleeding were to occur after getting the AstraZeneca shot, it would occur four to 30 days after the first dose and even rare after the second dose.
This, according to pediatrician, epidemiologist and translation researcher and member of the WHO PCV Expert Advisory group Professor Fiona Russell.
Prof Russell made these comments amid Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement last week that AstraZeneca would be limited to Australians over 60 years old. Those under 60 would be encouraged to take the Pfizer vaccine and Australians who had no issues with the first jab have been advised to go ahead and receive the second shot.
The review in Australia followed the death of two women who suffered extremely rare blood clotting disorder, while 60 Australians out of the 3.8 million who got the shot were reported to have developed blood clots.
“I recommend having this vaccine in Fiji,” she said.
Prof Russell told this newspaper that the risk of getting COVID-19 and blood clots from COVID-19 were far higher than getting blood clots or bleeding from the vaccine.
“I have received the AstraZeneca vaccine and am below the age of 60. My husband and mother have also received it.
She said these conditions were treatable in Fiji.
“Anyone who has been vaccinated should seek immediate medical attention four to 30 days after vaccination if they develop any of the symptoms such as severe or persistent headache or blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain, unusual skin bruising and or pinpoint round spots beyond the site of vaccination.”