Further Advice on Vaxzevria Issued in Europe

Further advice on blood clots and low blood platelets occurring after vaccination with Vaxzevria (formerly the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) has been provided by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

According to the updated recommendations, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has specified that healthcare professionals should use Vaxzevria in people who have had blood clots with low blood platelets after receiving the vaccine, check for signs of blood clots in people with low blood platelets within three weeks of being vaccinated, check for signs of low blood platelets in any person that has had blood clots within three weeks of being vaccinated, and ensure that patients who have blood clots with low blood platelets after being vaccinated receive specialist care.

Although the incidences of blood clots with low blood platelets after vaccination remains very rare, EMA is continuing to issue advise to the public on symptoms to be aware of, in cases where prompt medical treatment may be required. All updated recommendations are available in the vaccine’s product information.