Britain Study Shows Restricted Use Of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Shot Associated With No Clot Cases: Reuters

Following a decision to restrict the use of University of Oxford / AstraZeneca Plc's AZN COVID-19 vaccine in those under the age of 40 years, no new cases of blood clots were found in Britain in recent weeks after receiving the jab, a study has found.
The vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) characterized by low platelet count combined with blood clots is considered a rare side effect of vector-based COVID-19 vaccines, including Astra and Johnson & Johnson JNJ.
Despite using Astra's COVID-19 vaccine mainly among the elderly in Britain, about 85% of cases of rare blood clots occurred in people below 60 years, the study indicated.
However, the initial uptick in cases has diminished with a decision in May to offer alternative shots to those below the age of 40 in the country, said Sue Pavord, a consultant hematologist at Oxford University Hospitals who led the study.
"We haven't seen new cases for the last four weeks or so, and this has been a tremendous relief," Reuters quoted Pavord as saying.
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Despite the occurrence of rare side effects, both European and British regulators have supported the benefit-risk profile of the vaccine.
Price Action: AZN shares are up 1.10% at $57.23 during the market session on the last check Thursday.
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