Ontario has confirmed the first death related to Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT), an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome and side effect associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe says the man, in his 40s, died after receiving a first dose of the vaccine in late April.
While the death is still being investigated, Yaffe said it’s been confirmed that the man had VITT at the time.
“The risks associated with this vaccine are rare, but they are real,” she said Tuesday.
“I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of this individual in the wake of this tragic death.”
There have been 16 reported cases of a blood clot in Ontario out of approximately 850,000 doses administered province-wide.
The risk of VITT in Canada has been estimated to be approximately 1 per 55,000 first doses, but several possible cases are still under investigation.
Ontario is no longer offering AstraZeneca as a first dose but will administer it as a second shot as the risk of developing the side effect is much lower, around 1 in 600,000.
Early data from the United Kingdom reached similar conclusions, suggesting the risk of developing VITT after second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine is likely lower than after the first doses.
Experts maintain the blood-clotting syndrome associated with the AstraZeneca shot is exceedingly rare and treatable in most cases.
Nearly one million people in Ontario aged 40 and older have received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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Yaffe said those who received a first dose of AstraZeneca made the right choice.
“I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that those who received [the] AstraZeneca vaccine should feel very confident in their decision.”
In mid-May, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said the decision to no longer offer AstraZeneca as a first shot was made as the province receives larger shipments of other vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna.
Williams said last week that those who got their first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 during a pilot project at some pharmacies and doctors’ offices will be prioritized for the second dose.
Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, said on Tuesday that “a few” Toronto pharmacies will receive vaccine supply today with the vast majority receiving their doses on Wednesday.
Bates says pharmacists will reach out to eligible patients who can then start booking appointments as early as Wednesday and Thursday.
Province reports 1st death related to VITT blood-clotting syndrome - 680 News
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