KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government announced today that it was pausing the use of the AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine as a 1st dose do to the risk of blood clots.
“Effective today, Ontario will be pausing the rollout and administration of first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine at this time.” Dr David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health said this afternoon.
Williams said the decision was due to an increase in a condition known as Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) linked to the vaccine. There have been eight cases of VITT reported in Ontario. At least three have been deadly.
Williams went on to say there has been an increase in reports of VITT with 1.7 incidents per 100,000 doses administered. That number recently changed to one in 60,000.
Officials are reviewing the data to consider whether it’s safe to use for second doses. Williams said the data from the Uk shows a reduced risk with the second shot.
It’s unclear how this will impact those who already have 1st doses booked. We have contacted the health unit and are awaiting a response.