EMA finds possible link between Johnson & Johnson Vaccine and Very Rare Blood Clots

EMA finds possible link between Johnson & Johnson Vaccine and Very Rare Blood Clots

The European Medicines Agency safety committee (PRAC) has concluded that a warning about unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be added to the product information for the COVID-19 Johnson and Johnson vaccine, also known as the Janssen vaccine.

The PRAC concluded that such blood clots should be listed as very rare side effects of the vaccine and that the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects.

In reaching its conclusion, the PRAC took into consideration all currently available evidence including eight reports from the United States of serious cases of unusual blood clots associated with low levels of blood platelets, one of which had a fatal outcome.

As of 13 April 2021, over 7 million people had received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the United States.

All cases occurred in people under 60 years of age within three weeks after vaccination, the majority in women. Based on the currently available evidence, specific risk factors have not been confirmed.

The PRAC noted that the blood clots occurred mostly at unusual sites such as in veins in the brain and the abdomen and in arteries, together with low levels of blood platelets and sometimes bleeding.

The cases reviewed were very similar to the cases that occurred with the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.

A statement from the EMA said that healthcare professionals and people who will receive the vaccine should be aware of the possibility of very rare cases of blood clots combined with low levels of blood platelets occurring within three weeks of vaccination.

The statement said that use of the vaccine during vaccination campaigns at national level will take into account the pandemic situation and vaccine availability in individual EU Member States.

One plausible explanation for the combination of blood clots and low blood platelets put forward by the EMA was an immune response, leading to a condition similar to one seen sometimes in patients treated with heparin, an anticoagulant used to decrease the clotting ability of blood, called heparin induced thrombocytopenia.

The statement emphases the importance of recognising the signs of blood clots and seeking prompt medical attention if such symptoms present.

The EMA said it will continue to monitor the Johnson and Johnson vaccine’s safety and effectiveness and provide the public with the latest information.

Image by hitthatswitch/Creative CommonsCC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Antoinette Tyrrell is a writer and journalist who started her career in print and broadcast journalism in Ireland. An English and History graduate of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, she worked for 11 years in corporate public relations for Irish Government bodies in the Foreign Direct Investment and Energy sectors.

She is the founder of GoWrite, a business writing and public relations consultancy. Her work has appeared in a range of national and international media and trade publications. She is also a traditionally published novelist of commercial fiction.

newsletter
Join our mailing list and never miss an update !
Despite Arrest Warrant: Putin Receives Invitation to BRICS Summit

Despite Arrest Warrant: Putin Receives Invitation to BRICS Summit

Despite an international arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to a summit of emerging countries in South Africa. All five heads of state of

Europe Shows its Support for Moldova

Europe Shows its Support for Moldova

Heads of state and government from almost 50 countries are expected for the second summit of the new European Political Community (EPG) in Moldova today. The idea

60% Increase in Cyberattacks on Irish Healthcare System

60% Increase in Cyberattacks on Irish Healthcare System

There has been a 60% spike in attempted cyberattacks on Irish hospitals and healthcare settings, according to cybersecurity firm Smarttech247. The company said its teams have detected the upsurge over the