I find the possible link between the AZ vaccine and rare blood clots somewhat confusing as the clots appear to be associated with Low platelets? Am I missing something here?
I have had one dose of the AZ vaccine and I will not hesitate to get the second dose when I’m offered it as I believe the risks of the vaccine are minimal compared with getting COVID itself. I so want to see family again that the risk seems insignificant
Stay safe everyone
Jan
HI Jan
They seem to be seeing a rare reaction similar to Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Heparin is a blood thinner used but sometimes can get weird reaction when the platelet levels dip but they clump together and increase the risk of clots. The haematology societies are now advocating that patients with headaches persisting for over 3-4days after having the covid jabs get an FBC check done to see their platelet level and potentially have a special test done to see if they have a HIT type presentation. If you look up heparin induced thrombocytopenia there are some nice diagrams that explain it well.
I've had both my AZ jabs and been fine. There is a significant higher risk of getting clot issues with COVID itself as well as all the other usual risk factors for clots like being pregnant/hormonal contraceptives etc.
Hope you get your 2nd jab soon. Seems side effects are worse with the 1st AZ jab and the 2nd Pfizer jab so hopefully your 2nd one should be fine.
Take care
Heidi
I can't get my head round it . The EU have stopped the astra zeneca in over 65s , but last night it said the clots were more in younger people which most haven't had the vaccine yet.It's all contradictions.
I've had both vaccines now and I have a blood clotting abnormality. It didn't scare me .
Tracey
Hi initially some EU countries stopped the vaccine for the over 65s because of a lack of trial data for that age group from AstraZeneca. When they eventually had the data they approved it. The blood clots issue came later. I think the European Medicines Agency will make a statement today. I read that the UK regulator is also being asked to review. AstraZeneca have paused trials on children.
My concern here is the regulators are being pushed into constantly reviewing by media / political organisations.
Its been said to be safe several times and the instances are so low to prove a connection but it keeps rearing its head again and again.
It puts regulators in a difficult position of being damned if they do and damned if they dont.
If they say its safe in a few months when we are all vaccinated and no issues no one will remember anything, however if they say its safe and a major issue occurs then they will be criticised for their decisions.
Its very hard as they are almost in a no win situation, in life people rarely remember the things that went well, they always remember the mistakes or the things that went badly.
The media, while attempting to portray an air of concern, are revelling in being able to report that their may be issues, which still remain totally unfounded.
Thank you Paul. What you say about the press is unfortunately too true. They thrive on bad news not good. It is very sad that this focus will lead to confusion and rejection of the AZ vaccine by some people who might then go on to catch COVID with potentially disastrous consequences. As I said I will not hesitate to get my second dose
Best wishes. Jan
Yep I understand that the AZ is linked to RARE BLOOD CLOTS but no explanation. Like you I will have my 2nd jab of AZ no qualms.
Have had my second AZ jab and didn't give it a second thought.....no notable side effects from the first, none from the second. I've already had a blood clot, couple of years prior to my ET diagnosis, but the risk seems negligible to me compared to the risk of getting Covid itself.
COVID (finally) Caught Me
Just been diagnosed with ET
just a little advice 
Covid finally caught up with me
