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Island to follow UK's advice after Covid jab concerns

Under 30's to be offered alternative vaccine

The Isle of Man will follow the latest advice on the use of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

It follows reports of extremely rare, and unlikely to occur, specific blood clots in people who had the jab.

People under the age of 30, and those at higher risk of blood clots because of a medical condition, will be offered an alternative vaccine.

The move follows a scientific review by the MHRA, and leading haematologists, which concluded more work is needed to understand a potential link.

Alternatives to AstraZenea are the Pfizer and Moderna brands - the latter is due on the Island in the next few weeks.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford offered some reassurance:

However the Isle of Man Government says due to scheduled vaccination supplies the overall timeline of delivery will now be longer.

Mr Ashford says: "I know that the reports of these specific types of blood clots in the brain – which are extremely rare and unlikely to occur – will be a cause of concern for some in our community. 

"Patient safety is the number one priority for all vaccination programmes, including for COVID-19, and we will immediately adopt the advice from the MHRA and JCVI.

"This situation does, however, need to be placed firmly in context.  No effective medicine or vaccination is completely without risk. The AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective and undoubtedly has already saved thousands of lives.  The MHRA and the JCVI have made clear that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any risks.

"We will of course now need to determine what the impact these changes will be have on our vaccination programme, but it will certainly mean a delay and a revision to our timetable."

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