PUTRAJAYA – The Health Ministry will closely monitor for cases of blood clots following the deployment of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, and assures that immediate treatment will be given in the event this happens, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
“The occurrence of blood clots is very rare, and the roll-out of this vaccine takes into account its benefits in preventing Covid-19 infection, which outweigh the risks from vaccination,” he said in a statement today.
Malaysia received 268,800 doses of the AstraZeneca jab through the Covax facility on April 24, and the vaccine will be administered to members of the public beginning tomorrow.
The vaccination is open to 268,000 Kuala Lumpur and Selangor residents on a voluntary and first-come, first-served basis.
Dr Adham said AstraZeneca vaccine recipients are advised to monitor their health and seek treatment immediately if they experience symptoms, such as a severe and persistent headache, four days to four weeks after inoculation.
Other symptoms to look out for are unusual headache accompanied by blurred vision; nausea and vomiting; difficulty speaking; weakness; drowsiness or seizure; small spots on the skin; bruising or bleeding; difficulty breathing; chest pain; swelling in the legs; and, persistent abdominal pain.
Doctors treating AstraZeneca jab recipients should investigate whether the individuals received the vaccine within 30 days of experiencing symptoms, he said, and must conduct further checks to confirm if the said symptoms stem from blood clots.
“The relevant examinations, including blood and radiology tests, should be carried out as soon as possible. Immediate treatment should be given if the test results show that blood clotting has occurred.”
Haematologists should be contacted immediately for advice, and medical practitioners should prepare an adverse event following immunisation report for the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, he added. – Bernama, May 4, 2021
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