Astra Zeneca is an excellent vaccine and was from the beginning provided to the world without the company making a profit in an act of generosity. Unfortunately, it has since been shown to have very rare reaction which can affect around 2 in every 100 000 people.
This reaction is called Thrombosis and Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). TTS is not a usual clotting disorder. We think the vaccine reacts with one of the substances found in platelets and then the body attacks the platelets. The platelets are damaged and can form clots. These clots are more likely in veins in the brain and abdomen, where they can be very serious. This is the thrombosis part of TTS. Because the body attacks the platelets, they are also destroyed. There are less platelets, which can cause bleeding. That is the thrombocytopenia (low platelets) part of the syndrome.
This problem has not plagued the Pfizer vaccine. Limited supplies however mean many of us are in the difficult position of deciding whether to take the risk of these clots.
Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is an excellent handout to help you if you are trying to understand the risk. If you cannot get a Pfizer vaccine or you don’t yet qualify and you are thinking of getting the Astra Zeneca vaccine have a look at this handout and then book in for a consultation to discuss your particular situation and we can support you in whatever decision you make