The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) notes that a case of an unusual thrombosis following the AstraZeneca vaccine has been reported. This is one case in more than 400,000 doses given to date.
We have issued communication for consumers and clinicians on the significance of this condition and to be alert for the symptoms and signs of thromboses.
Regulatory agencies in the European Union and United Kingdom, where more cases have been reported and many millions of doses of vaccine have been administered, have not made recommendations to broadly restrict the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
However, some countries, including Canada, have made precautionary recommendations to limit the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in some groups.
ATAGI has not changed its advice on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine at this time.
ATAGI and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are currently investigating this case and working with international experts and regulators to provide advice on the optimal use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
We plan to meet again on Wednesday 7 April 2021 when we anticipate more information from international regulators and when the outcomes of ongoing investigations of this case will be available that will enable us to assess the risks and benefits of this vaccine for the Australian population.
