AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Information – COVID-19 Vaccine

Please read this information before booking an appointment to receive the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine

Who has received the AstraZeneca vaccine?

In this province, the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine was provided to over 20,000 individuals.

Newfoundland and Labrador has enough mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) vaccine to immunize individuals ages 12 years and older.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine/gettheshot/

Should I be worried if I have received the AstraZeneca Vaccine?

Health Canada has stated that the AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD COVID-19 vaccine continues to be safe and effective at protecting Canadians against COVID-19 and encourages people to get immunized with any of the COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized in Canada.

There have been rare reports of blood clots (Vaccine Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia or VITT) following vaccination with AstraZeneca in Canada and elsewhere in the world. It is not known if blood clots are more common in people who have had blood clots before, people with a family history of blood clots, people with a low platelets, or pregnant women, because VITT does not develop through the same process as usual types of bleeding or clotting problems.

What symptoms should individuals look for following AstraZeneca vaccination?

You should speak to a health care professional if you have unusual or severe symptoms after any COVID-19 vaccine. If you experience any of the following symptoms between 4 and 28 days after your AstraZeneca vaccination, these symptoms might indicate that you have VITT (also referred to as a blood clot).

These symptoms can also be a sign of other serious conditions and should be assessed in an emergency department.

Based on current evidence, for those individuals who have already been vaccinated with AstraZeneca more than 28 days ago there is no cause for concern.

What should you do if you have concerning symptoms after the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine?

You should speak to a health care professional if you have unusual or severe symptoms after any COVID-19 vaccine. If your symptoms are not severe, you can see (virtually or in-person) your primary care professional. If you have severe symptoms, you should go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You should tell the health care providers who see you that you received the AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD COVID-19 vaccine and give them the date you got vaccinated. If the healthcare professional who assesses you is concerned, you may have scans and additional bloodwork collected.

Do healthcare professionals know how to diagnose and treat Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT)?

Yes. Health care professionals and scientists in Newfoundland and Labrador have been working with experts in Canada, and around the world, to better understand VITT. Public Health has summarized what we know about VITT right now and has published guidelines for healthcare professionals outside and inside the hospital, to help them diagnose and treat VITT.

Will those who have received a first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine receive a second dose?

Before you decide which vaccine you will receive, consider the following information.

An mRNA vaccine isnow preferredas the second dose for individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD. This is based on emerging evidence of better immune response from this mixed vaccine schedule, and to mitigate the potential risk of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) associated with viral-vector vaccines.

If you choose to complete the series with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine, please review the following information:

Completing the series with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine:

Completing the vaccine series with an mRNA vaccine:

Currently, mRNA and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine are both available in Newfoundland and Labrador. Therefore those who wish to have a second dose with mRNA will not be delayed in receiving that vaccine. If a person chooses an mRNA vaccine for their second dose, they do not need to restart a series. If a person needs help with understanding the information above, they may contact a healthcare professional.

Could other COVID-19 vaccines available in Newfoundland and Labrador cause vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)?

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of VITT with any other COVID-19 vaccine.

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AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Information - COVID-19 Vaccine