MHRA and JCVI announcement regarding AstraZeneca Vaccine

Please see the information below regarding the AstraZenica vaccine following the recent updates from the MHRA and JCVI. Please note we are no longer running first dose clinics and now focusing on completing second doses.

First doses for individuals 30 years of age and over and those who have underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease

‘JCVI has weighed the relative balance of benefits and risks and advise that the benefits of prompt vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh the risk of adverse events for individuals 30 years of age and over and those who have underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease.’

First doses for adults under 30 without underlying health conditions in Phase 1

JCVI guidance states ‘There are some adults <30 without underlying health conditions who are in phase 1, who were prioritised due to an increased risk of exposure and/or to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to vulnerable individuals. This includes health and social care workers, unpaid carers and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. Acting on a precautionary basis, if these persons are still unvaccinated, it is preferable for them to be offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine, if available.’

Second Doses

JCVI state ‘all those who have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should continue to be offered a second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of age.’

Therefore, for recipients in cohorts 1-9 who have received a first dose of AstraZeneca and are due to receive their second dose, no further action is required and these appointments should continue.

MHRA are clear that the only individuals who should not have a second dose of AstraZeneca are those set out below:

‘Administration of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in patients with a history of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, acquired or hereditary thrombophilia, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or antiphospholipid syndrome should only be considered when the potential benefit outweighs any potential risks. Patients who have experienced major venous and arterial thrombosis occurring with thrombocytopenia following vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine should not receive a second dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.’

We will be reviewing patients that may be affected by this and will contact you should we feel it is not appropriate to continue with the vaccination. If you have any concerns please direct them via the website and we will be in touch.

Thank you.