A scale of some of the first 500,000 of the 2 million AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses Canada obtained through an agreement with the Serum Institute of India in partnership with Verity Pharma at a facility in Milton, Ontario , Canada March 3, 2021. REUTERS / Carlos Osorio
Canada on Saturday reported a second case of rare low-platelet blood clots following vaccination with AstraZeneca (AZN.L)’s COVID-19 vaccine within a week, while saying it still recommends using the shot.
The person who experienced the very rare event was treated and recovered, the health ministry said in a statement, adding that the person lives in the province of Alberta.
Based on the available evidence, Canada still maintains that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the potential risks, the statement said.
The Canadian health authorities “will continue to monitor closely the use of all COVID-19 vaccines and to investigate and assess any new safety issues,” the statement said.
Canada reported a first blood clot related to the vaccine on Tuesday, and a day later, after an investigation, health authorities said they would not restrict the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. read more
A separate advisory council had earlier recommended Canada to offer the vaccine to people under 55. The panel is reviewing its advice.
Canada has boosted its vaccination campaign, but still has vaccinated a smaller percentage of its population than dozens of other countries, including the United States and Britain.
Amid a strong third wave of infections, Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, announced new public health restrictions on Friday, including closing the province’s borders for domestic travelers. read more
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