An extremely rare relapsing-remitting condition known as capillary leak syndrome has been reported overseas following vaccination with COVID-19 AstraZeneca. The syndrome results in fluid leaking from capillaries (small blood vessels) into surrounding tissue and can lead to severe organ damage or death if left untreated.

In two of the reported cases there was a previous history of capillary leak syndrome. As triggers for relapse are not well understood, the manufacturer of COVID-19 AstraZeneca has updated the product information advising it is not recommended that the vaccine be administered to people with a history of capillary leak syndrome. Individuals with a history of capillary leak syndrome should be referred to their closest VicSIS clinic for further assessment.

For further information refer to the following link:

TGA: COVID-19 weekly safety report

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About MVEC

The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) is an educational website, developed with the aim of providing up-to-date immunisation information for both healthcare professionals and members of the public. We are based at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), a research organisation, and are affiliated with SAEFVIC (Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination in the Community), the Victorian Vaccine Safety Service.

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