1st known case of rare blood clot linked to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine confirmed in Ontario

The Ontario government has confirmed the first known case of a rare blood clot linked to the Astrazeneca-COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine in the province.

According to a statement issued by the government Friday morning, the man in his 60s received his first dose of the vaccine. It’s not clear when he was inoculated.

Officials said the man was treated and is currently at home recovering.

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“While these serious reactions remain extremely rare, we have a robust process in place to monitor for any adverse events and have taken steps to ensure that these events are identified and treated as quickly as possible,” Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, wrote.

“All COVID-19 vaccines available in the province have been determined to be safe and effective by Health Canada, and have been shown to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.”

Williams said of the 1.1 million doses of the vaccine that have been administered in Canada, only four blood clot cases have been detected to date.

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He said the provincial government will continue to offer the vaccine to people aged 40 and older.

“This approach is helping to maximize the number of people protected as quickly as possible to prevent further transmission and the much higher risks that come from COVID-19 infection,” Williams said.

“The Health Canada-approved vaccines are the best way to protect your health and those around you. Ontarians are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and monitor their health after receiving their vaccination.”

More to come.