MADRID – Three additional cases of blood clots including one death have been discovered in Spain. All had received the controversial AstraZeneca vaccine.
Yesterday the Spanish Health Ministry said it was investigating three cases of thrombosis. One of which died from a brain haemorrhage. She was not known to have any pre-existing conditions. The 43-year-old female teacher from Marbella complained of headaches soon after receiving the vaccine. However, these were put down to normal side effects.
Death of Marbella school teacher
As reported by Diario Sur the woman returned to the hospital days later because she was still feeling unwell. She underwent scans that uncovered brain haemorrhaging, leading to an emergency surgery that failed to save her life. A math teacher at a local high school, she leaves behind two children.
Andalucian teachers began receiving their vaccination appointments from the last week in February. In our previous article it outlined the under 55 year old group of essential workers to receive this vaccination. This group included teachers, firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers not in the front lines.
Spain joined various other countries, and on Monday also halted the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Lower blood platelet counts
The Health Ministry stated “all three cases share the peculiarity that the thrombosis events were associated with lower blood platelet counts. This fact could suggest an abnormal activation of the coagulation system that might be associated with the formation of blood clots in locations that are unusual.”
As previously stated, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), was carrying out a “comprehensive” investigation to determine whether there is a causal effect, besides the coincidence in time. They have just reported their findings.
EMA investigation conclusion
“A review by the EU’s medicines regulator has concluded the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is “safe and effective”, and its benefits outweigh the risks.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) conducted its review after 13 EU states suspended use of the vaccine over fears of a link to blood clots.
The EMA found the vaccine was “not associated” with higher risk of clots.
But it said it would continue to study the possibility of such links.
The EMA investigation focused on a small number of cases of unusual blood disorders. In particular, it was looking at cases of cerebral venous thrombosis – blood clots in the head.”
World Health Organisation
Both EMA and the World Health Organisation (WHO) both still consider that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.
WHO states “Vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes. Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally”.
Both EMA and the World Health Organisation (WHO) both still consider that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.
