The risk of dying from COVID-19 far outweighs the risk of developing a blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, stresses @CMOH_Alberta as Alberta confirms Canada's second case of an AstraZeneca-linked blood clot. @calgaryherald #COVID19AB calgaryherald.com/news/local-new…
On the topic, @jasonfherring wrote about how Calgary's mass-immunization hub has seen a paltry turnout for AstraZeneca shots, prompting questions about expanded eligibility. #COVID19AB
https://twitter.com/jasonfherring/status/1383462289924255746?s=20
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, is holding a media availability about the confirmed case of an AstraZeneca-linked blood clot in an Alberta patient at noon. I'll be live-tweeting. You can follow along below. #COVID19AB @calgaryherald @calgarysun
Here we go. "I know that reports of any adverse events can be scary," says Hinshaw. "We are taking this extremely seriously... while this case is unfortunate it does not change the risk assessment." #COVID19AB
Hinshaw is speaking to how rare it is to experience VIIT after receiving AZ. "I continue to recommend AZ vaccine to anyone who is 55 and under," says Hinshaw. "If I were in this age category, I would get this vaccine." #COVID19AB #abhealth
Question period now.
First question is about addressing AZ hesitancy. Hinshaw says individuals who are eligible for this vaccine, and would otherwise have to wait about a month for another vaccine, are accepting the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, especially as cases rise. #COVID19AB #abhealth
In terms of large vaccination centres, there are reports that few vaccines are being administered. What can we do? Hinshaw says they are having discussions with the advisory committee around age group eligibility to expand vaccine rollout. #abhealth #COVID19AB
Next question about how long it will take to expand eligibility for those under the recommended age if approved? Hinshaw says they need to look at all of the available data, but recognize the urgency. The decision is expected to come in the "near future." #abhealth #COVID19AB
Hinshaw stresses the risk is "very rare" for AZ-linked blood clots. The risks of death, hospitalization linked to COVID-19 is much higher. #COVID19AB
Next question is about the potential impact on the healthcare system as cases rises. Hinshaw says we can look at Alberta's experience in November and December, which saw a spike in hospitalizations, ICU admissions and delayed non-COVID care/surgeries. #COVID19AB #abhealth
Hinshaw says it is currently unknown what single factor is resulting in AZ-linked blood clots but it is under investigations. #abhealth #COVID19AB
She says there is no definite timeline regarding when/if they will expand vaccine eligibility to younger age groups for AZ. #COVID19AB #abhealth
Next question about AZ stock pile. Hinshaw says "those numbers do change rapidly" so she is unable to provide exact numbers. #abhealth #COVID19AB
How soon after AZ dose did the Alberta patient start to exhibit symptoms? Hinshaw says the symptoms began in the 4-20 day window and shortly after symptoms began to develop, the patient sought medical care. #abhealth #COVID19AB
Next question about Hinshaw's concern regarding the impact of poor turnout for vaccine appointments? "Certainly, I think it's challenging when we have vaccines that can cause protection and there is a high degree of concern about it," says Hisnhaw. #COVID19AB
"Of course I want to see as many Albertans as possible protected against COVID-19," says Hinshaw. "But ultimately... I think the more people feel they are being convinced against their will — that's not helpful." That's the reason for transparency, she says. #COVID19AB
That's all, folks. Story will be updated soon. #abhealth #COVID19AB
"The report of this case shows that Canada’s vaccine safety monitoring system works," says @GovCanHealth, adding the benefits of AZ and COVISHIELD still outweigh the potential risks. #COVID19AB
https://twitter.com/GovCanHealth/status/1383533733601366023?s=20
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
