“We have no concerns over the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Jersey"

Monday 15 March 2021

Islanders will still be given the AstraZeneca vaccine despite some European countries halting its roll-out while reports that it causes blood clots are investigated.

Germany, France and Italy stopped using the vaccine on Monday after a number of people across Europe had clots soon after receiving a jab.

They joined several smaller European nations, including Ireland, Denmark and Norway, who have halted vaccinations as a precaution while checks are made.

The World Health Organisation, however, said there is no evidence that the incidents are caused by the vaccine.

It said it was reviewing reports relating to the jab, but it was important vaccinations continued and that it was good practice to investigate potential adverse events.

A Government of Jersey spokesman said: “We are aware of the action in Ireland and several other European countries regarding the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.

 “The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, who regulate all medicines in the UK, have today stated that they are closely reviewing the reports, but there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine causes blood clots.

“The European Medicines Regulator and the World Health Organisation have also said that the vaccine is safe."

Pictured: Islanders will continue to be given the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at Fort Regent.

They continued: “We have no concerns over the use of the vaccine for our roll-out in Jersey. We have another busy week of vaccinations planned, and we would strongly encourage all eligible Islanders to attend for their vaccination when it’s their turn.”

Official guidance in Jersey highlights the risk of side-effects after receiving a vaccine jab. 

Very common side effects listed on gov.je include feeling tired, having a headache and suffering from general aches or mild flu-like symptoms.

It adds: “If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, contact your GP or healthcare professional. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination so that they can assess you properly.

“You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme.

The Yellow Card scheme is the UK system for collecting information on suspected adverse drug reactions to medicines.”

Because the Yellow Card scheme is national, results are centralised so there is no clear breakdown of how many reports have been sent from Jersey.

However, Express has asked the Government if there is any way of knowing how many people in the island have experienced side-effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine or any other, and is awaiting a reply.

Jersey’s position on the vaccine has been echoed in Guernsey, which is also continuing to use the AstraZeneca product.

The island’s Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink said: “As in the UK, we are keeping the situation under careful review and the safety of islanders will always come first. 

“Based on the information we have, islanders it is our recommendation that islanders should still come forward for vaccination when they are called.

“We know that people reading and listening to the news will be worried about having their vaccination if they have been allocated the AstraZeneca vaccine. Unfortunately it is not possible for people to be able to choose which vaccine they are given. The doses are allocated according to our delivery schedules.”