The Conversation: Data suggest no increased risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine. Australia shouldn’t pause its rollout

With some European countries opting to pause the rollout of COVID-19 AstraZeneca in response to reports of blood clots, Australian experts have cautioned against any pauses whilst investigations are underway.

Thromboembolic events occur in approximately 17,000 Australians per year. In a global vaccine rollout it is therefore expected that some people will develop a blood clot coincidentally after they have received the vaccine. This does not meant that the vaccine caused it.

Since COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccinations began, there have been 30 thromboembolic events reported (as of March 10, 2021) in approximately 5 million vaccine recipients. This is lower than the natural rate expected to occur.

All adverse events must be thoroughly investigated. The robust safety surveillance systems in Australia are established to effectively identify any signals requiring follow up. Extreme caution is urged when considering a pause in rollout while investigations are underway as this can damage vaccine confidence.

To read more, please read the article below:

The Conversation: Data suggest no increased risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine. Australia shouldn’t pause its rollout

 

 

 

 


The bmj: Covid-19: Booster dose will be needed in autumn to avoid winter surge, says government adviser

Anthony Harnden, Deputy Chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in the UK, has suggested that booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are likely to be required.

With minimal data surrounding the duration of protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines and the emergence of new strain variants, the UK is considering commencing booster doses from August of this year.

To read more follow the link below:

The bmj: Covid-19: Booster dose will be needed in autumn to avoid winter surge, says government adviser

 


The Guardian: Israel says 600 children given Covid jab had no serious side-effects

Following an expansion of Israel's COVID-19 vaccination program, around 600 children (≥ 12 years) have received the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Reported side-effects in this age group have been minor and the vaccine has been well tolerated.

Due to the emergence of more transmissible strains of COVID-19, experts have now suggested that in order to achieve herd immunity closer to 90% coverage will be required. In a population of 9 million people, with approximately 1/4 of those aged under 16 years, lowering the age limit for COVID-19 vaccination is an important development for Israel.

To read more follow the link below:

The Guardian: Israel says 600 children given Covid jab had no serious side-effects


TGA: AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine

Denmark, Iceland and Norway have temporarily paused the distribution of COVID-19 AstraZeneca as a precautionary measure in response to reports of blood clots following immunisation (including 1 death in Denmark). The European Medicines Agency's safety committee is conducting a rapid review into the events.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have advised that a link has not been confirmed and to date there have been no reports of similar events in Australia. Extensive international vaccination programs have not indicated an increased risk of blood clots associated with the vaccine.

Vaccination with COVID-19 AstraZeneca continues in other countries including the United Kingdom and France.

Please refer to the full alert below for more information:

TGA: AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine


Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Armpit After COVID-19 Vaccine May Mimic Breast Cancer Symptoms

The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) in the United States is recommending women wait at least four weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to schedule a mammogram due to the potential side-effect of swollen or tender lymph nodes in the armpit. Changes in the lymph nodes can be a sign of breast cancer and the concerns are this could lead to false readings on mammograms leading to further unnecessary testing.

This advice was issued based on the rates of swelling and tenderness in the lymph nodes post the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. Whilst rare in people who have received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine (which is currently provisionally registered for use in Australia), the SBI notes the incidence rates are most likely higher than reported and accordingly issued the aforementioned advice to separate mammograms from COVID-19 vaccines by four to six weeks.

Read more via the link below:

Health online: Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Armpit After COVID-19 Vaccine May Mimic Breast Cancer Symptoms—Here’s What to Know


ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021

ATAGI have published recommendations for the influenza vaccine program in 2021. This advice includes vaccine brand and dose information, the timing of administration, funding eligibility criteria as well as the requirement for reporting all vaccine administration to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

To view the recommendations please follow the link below:

ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021


Incidents after vaccination with AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

Following reports of 2 temporally associated severe adverse events following immunisation (AEFI), the Austrian Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (the national regulatory body for medicines) have halted the supply and distribution of a specific batch of COVID-19 AstraZeneca.

It is important to note that data from clinical trials shows no evidence of a casual relationship and this halt is being utilised as a precautionary measure only. An immediate review of international reports of similar AEFI show no signals for concern. Vaccine rollout using alternate batches of COVID-19 AstraZeneca continues and further investigations are ongoing.

 To read the official announcement follow the link below:

Austrian Federal Office for Safety in Health Care: Incidents after vaccination with AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine


Learning from Errors with the New COVID-19 Vaccines

In December 2020 COVID-19 vaccination commenced across the US. This article published by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, discusses various reports of administration and preparation errors that have occurred since the rollout began.

Given the scope of the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, it is expected that there will be mistakes made. As Australia begins its national rollout, a key learning is ensuring that all COVID-19 vaccine errors and adverse reactions are reported to the relevant authorities to help prevent these types of errors occurring here.

To read more follow the link below:

ISMP: Learning from Errors with the New COVID-19 Vaccines


TGA collecting COVID-19 vaccine side effect reports

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have published a summary of suspected adverse events reported following COVID-19 immunisation since the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. All reports to date reflect the expected side effects identified in clinical trials for Comirnaty™. Reports include cases of feeling faint, headache, dizziness or nausea. The two cases of administration error in a Brisbane aged care facility have not been associated with any adverse outcomes.

Commencing Wednesday March 3, 2021 the TGA will publish weekly updates on the number of COVID-19 vaccine adverse event reported.

For more information refer to the following link:

TGA collecting COVID-19 vaccine side effect reports


ATAGI COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities

ATAGI have published a COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities in order to assist this population group or their caregivers to make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently in Australia there are 2 vaccines approved for use to prevent severe COVID-19 disease. They are available for free, with older populations in the earlier priority groups identified for eligibility. Both vaccines have been recommended by the TGA for use in older people, with no upper age limit for either vaccine.

Read more via the links below: