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First case of blood clots linked to AstraZeneca vaccine reported in Alberta

EDMONTON, AB – A 60-year old Alberta man has been treated and is recovering, after he developed a rare blood clot disorder linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

A statement from Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Saturday morning (Apr. 17) says this is the second case of what’s known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) out of more than 700,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that have been administered in Canada to date.

However, Hinshaw says this does not change the risk assessment previously communicated to Albertans. “While every adverse reaction is unfortunate, it is important to remember that these blood clots are extremely rare and that this vaccine helps prevent the much higher risks that come from COVID-19 infection.

She continues to recommend that those over 55-years old should still get the AstraZeneca shot.

Hinshaw notes, in comparison, that Albertans over that age have a one in 200 chance of dying from COVID-19, and they are also at least 1,500 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than experiencing VITT after getting the vaccine.

Sam Borsato
Sam Borsato
I started my radio career in 2015, shortly after graduating from Lethbridge College. I have a very strong passion for local news. Proudly born in 1994, I grew up most of my life in Sylvan Lake, AB and I've lived in the Lethbridge since 2012. I'm a below average golfer on a good day, I take as many hiking trips to Waterton as possible in the summer and I love my two cats, Outlaw and Jynx, and my dog, Maverick, more than most people I know. I look forward to providing accurate, timely news coverage in southern Alberta for plenty of years to come!
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