Health Canada concludes AstraZeneca benefits outweigh blood clot risks
by Michael Ranger
Last Updated Apr 14, 2021 at 10:56 am PDT
Health Canada says a new and extremely rare blood clotting syndrome may be linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, but the agency says the benefits of the shot still far outweigh any risks.
The agency says there is no evidence showing certain people are more at risk than others and the vaccine will remain authorized for all adults in Canada.
Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Supriya Sharma says Health Canada will be updating the label for the vaccine to warn of the possibility of blood clots.
By Ryan Young
Eligibility criteria to receive a vaccine in Manitoba has been expanded.
Medical Lead on the Vaccination Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer states that Manitobans 59-and-older, and First Nations 39-and-older, can now make an appointment for a vaccine.
This week, Manitoba is expecting a shipment of 28-thousand 400 doses of the Moderna vaccine.
Over 55-thousand doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine has been distributed to pharmacies and medical clinics across Manitoba.
Reimer reminds Manitobans of the eligibility criteria for the Astra-Zeneca vaccine.
“This vaccine is for people who are age 55-64, who have a health or medical condition that puts them at more serious risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19,” she said.
The first one-shot COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson has been authorized by Health Canada, making it the fourth vaccine that can be administered to Canadians.
Health Canada has approved the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine. It will be produced by J & J's pharmaceutical arm, Jenssen Inc. with Health Cana.