Increased calls to GP surgeries regarding AstraZeneca vaccine

Following the recent media coverage regarding the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine GP Practices in Ross-on-Wye have received an increase in calls from worried patients.

Dr Simon Lennane, GP and Primary Care Network Clinical Director, said: “Medical opinion does not suggest any link between the vaccine and an increased risk of blood clots, and we are continuing to give this vaccine locally. There is of course a background risk of blood clots, but the evidence so far shows no increased rate of clots in people who have had the vaccine.

“We know that Covid-19 infection is dangerous and definitely does increase the risk of clots as well as other complications, so our advice is to have the vaccine, as the benefits far outweigh the risks.”

Dr Lennane has provided the following link giving a summary of expert opinion for those who would like to know more: https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-reports-that-denmark-has-paused-vaccination-with-the-oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-as-a-precaution-after-some-reports-of-blood-clots/