Health Canada is updating Canadians and healthcare professionals about its ongoing safety review of very rare events of blood clots associated with low levels of blood platelets following immunization with the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines according to the Department of Health of Canada.
“After a thorough, independent assessment of the currently available scientific data, Health Canada has concluded that these very rare events may be linked to use of the vaccine. The Department concluded that these very rare cases may be related to the use of a vaccine. It is noted that this corresponds to the conclusions of other regulators,” the statement read.
No new restrictions have yet been imposed on the use of the vaccine; however the Canadian government warned the population.
“As a result, the Department has updated warnings in the product information to inform Canadians of the possible side effects and provide information about the signs and symptoms and when to seek prompt medical attention following vaccination. Based on the review of available data from Europe and from the United Kingdom and AstraZeneca, no specific risk factors have been identified. Therefore, Health Canada is not restricting the use of the vaccine in any specific populations at this time," the agency stated.
Finally, the statement concluded that in the very rare event that someone experiences unusual blood clots with low platelets, there are treatments available.