Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization is expected to recommend today a pause on the administering of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine to those 55 years and younger because of safety concerns.
The expected change to guidance comes after reports of rare blood clots in some immunized patients.
Canada is expected to receive 1 point 5 million doses of the vaccine from the US tomorrow.
The AstraZeneca shot hadn’t been widely used in people under the age of 55 in Canada. Huron Perth Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen confirmed it hadn’t been used at all in that Region
In PEI the AstraZeneca vaccine was being administered to front line workers in places such as grocery and convenience stores but that has stopped in advance of the announcement.
In New Brunswick it was being given to first responders and some teachers last week.
The AstraZeneca Vaccine is still believed safe for those 55 years and older.