Alberta halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for those under 55

From the Province of Alberta

– Dr. Deena Hinshaw adress to media Monday, March 29

Following extensive discussions with our provincial and federal partners, Alberta is temporarily pausing the use of AstraZeneca in anyone under the age of 55.

This is a precautionary measure that is being taken across Canada.

As I mentioned to you last week, there have been some rare instances of blood clots reported in Europe that require more investigation.

While all available data and evidence shows no increase in the overall risk of blood clots for those who receive AstraZeneca, in a very small number of people who received the vaccine, a blood clot in the brain was reported 4 to 20 days after the vaccine.

These incidents are rare, and at this point seem to be linked to AstraZeneca, possibly through an immune response.

There is no evidence of any similar issues linked to the other vaccines that we are using in Alberta.

There have also been no reported cases of these blood clots following immunization, in Alberta or anywhere in Canada.

However, safety is always our top priority.

This pause will allow Health Canada to conduct further assessments and gather more information from around the world.

This change is based on new information reported late last week, and over the weekend regarding some additional cases and a lack of a connection to a specific lot or batch of the vaccine.

I want to assure you that anyone under the age of 55 who has already received a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine is not considered to be at high risk of blood clots.

However, as with anyone who receives any medication, including vaccine, they should monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they experience health concerns.

We will continue monitoring the emerging evidence around this issue.

We will also continue doing everything possible to ensure that our immunization program remains safe and effective.

Studies are underway that will help determine what vaccine those already immunized with AstraZeneca will be able to receive when it comes time for their second dose in the months ahead.

Related Topics:#AHSAstraZeneca #AlbertaHealthServices #AstraZeneca #DrDeenaHinshaw feature

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By any measure, Alberta is an energy powerhouse—within Canada, but also on a global scale. In 2023, it produced 85 per cent of Canada’s oil and three-fifths of the country’s natural gas. Most of Canada’s oil reserves are in Alberta, along with a majority of natural gas reserves. Alberta is the beating heart of the Canadian energy economy. And energy, in turn, accounts for one-quarter of Canada’s international exports.

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