Higher chance of winning lotto than vaccine clotting, TGA says
A leading health boss has said Australians are more likely to win the lotto than develop blood clotting from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Following the country’s second diagnosis of blood clotting linked to the vaccine, the head of the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), Professor John Skerritt, told reporters it’s “a very rare finding.”
The woman in her 40s, vaccinated in Western Australia, is in a stable condition.
Professor Skerritt also said the woman’s diagnosis – which came two weeks after receiving the vaccine – was complicated by some other conditions.
“Doses of vaccine, 700,000 or more have been AstraZeneca,” he said.
“That means that two out of 700,000 is one in 350,000.
“And when you look at the British data which quoted about one in 250,000, we’re down, and that’s an extremely remote and unlikely event.
“It’s a very rare finding. As I’ve said before, your chances of winning Lotto are much, much, much, much higher.
“Her diagnosis was complicated a little bit by some other conditions.”
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has also said the reported blood-clotting was a very rare incidence.
Professor Chris Perry, AMA Queensland President, is urging people to raise any concerns with a GP that knows their medical history.
“The latest vaccine recommendations take into account the changing situation in Europe and the UK,” Prof Perry said.
“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) are constantly assessing the risks and benefits of the COVID vaccines, so they can provide the best advice based on the evolving vaccination rollout around the world.
“The best port of call for Queenslanders to get clear, specific, up to date health advice is their GP.”
Prof Perry said it was important to note that the AstraZeneca vaccine remained highly effective at preventing death and severe illness among people who have contracted COVID-19.
“However, current advice is that the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be used in adults under 50 where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk,” he said.
“We all need to make an informed decision about which vaccine to have, based on an understanding of the risks and benefits and with guidance from our GP.”
Tropic Now has put together a list of GP clinics in the Cairns region currently offering COVID-19 vaccines.
People over the age of 70, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55-years-old, adults with a specified medical condition, healthcare workers, and critical high-risk workers are currently eligible to receive their free vaccine.
