Production of the AstraZeneca vaccine against covid-19 has been suspended in Brazil. Taking into account the increased risk of thrombosis, especially in women, the Ministry of Health began to recommend that viral vector immunizations should not be applied as a booster from the third dose onwards in the population under 40 years of age.
In a technical note, the Pasta points out that, of the 40 probable and confirmed cases of Thrombosis Syndrome with Thrombocytopenia distributed by dose of vaccine for covid-19, 34 were attributed to the AstraZeneca vaccine. In Brazil, the production of the immunizer was the responsibility of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), but the contract with the Anglo-Swedish laboratory was not renewed.
Previously, studies indicated that the immunizer was associated with clot formation in some patients, especially younger ones. In some European countries, the vaccine is no longer used in children under 30 years of age.
AstraZeneca: benefits x reactions
In March 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the side effects. The institution also highlighted that “thromboembolic events can happen frequently”, and that “venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease in the world.”
At the time, Anvisa itself (National Health Surveillance Agency) also gave its opinion on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, stating that “the data do not indicate a change in the benefit-risk balance of the vaccine” and that it “recommends the continuity of its use by Brazilian population.”
Does Astrazeneca vaccine have late side effects?
In any case, experts point out that people who took the vaccine in the early years of the epidemic should not be concerned about late side effects, considering that these rare adverse events happen in the first 14 days after vaccination.
Health professionals point out that the vaccine does not remain in the body and this viral vector is eliminated, leaving the effects of the vaccine, which are immunity and the generation of neutralizing bodies and cellular response.
Therefore, it is possible to conclude that there is no concern at the moment for those who have taken the vaccine in the past. These effects are very rare and hardly detected in phase 3 studies.
Source: RFI, Ministry of Health
