Intro:
AstraZeneca is no longer available in Australia.
16 min
Content Source: Dr. John Campbell
~~
Notes and References:
AstraZeneca is no longer available in Australia
There was a link between the AZ vaccine and a rare but serious side effect, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS)
AstraZeneca is no longer available as of 20 March 2023,
so no further cases of AstraZeneca-related TTS can occur in Australia.
BHF (UK)
Evidence shows that mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, are more effective at boosting protection from Covid-19,
so these vaccines are being recommended for the autumn booster programme.
In Australia, the rate of AstraZeneca-related TTS
Aged 60 and over
2 per 100,000 people vaccinated with AstraZeneca
Aged under 60
2 to 3 per 100,000 people vaccinated with AstraZeneca
Symptoms typically occurred between 4 and 42 days after a first dose
TTS can cause long-term disability and death.
TTS
blood clotting (thrombosis)
combined with low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Blood clots can appear in different parts of the body such as the brain or abdomen
No risk factors were identified that predicted who developed TTS.
Cases were reported in all ages, and in both men and women.
TTS appeared to be more severe in younger women.
Almost all reported cases of TTS occurred after the first dose of AstraZeneca.
The risk of TTS was much lower after the second dose.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] vaccine) COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know
The vaccine is safe and effective for all individuals aged 18 and above.
COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/idaps/CHADOX1%20NCOV-19
Following AstraZeneca covid vaccination
https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
241 reports of myocarditis
226 reports of pericarditis
9 reports of endocarditis
Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine reaches two billion dose milestone
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2021-11-16-oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-reaches-two-billion-dose-milestone
2,000,000,000
16 November 2021
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine and can be given in some situations.
Australian timeline
8 April 2021
Australian Government received advice and recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) about AZ Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome
17 June 2021
ATGI, recommended an alternative to AstraZeneca for under 60s
20 March 2023
AZ discontinued