There has been extensive press coverage regarding the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in recent days. The UK independent medicines regulator the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) has extensively reviewed all evidence around the AZ vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccinations are the most important safe way of reducing the risks of COVID-19 illness. The AZ vaccine is safe, and effective, and has been associated with an extremely rare risk of blood clots – at 4 cases per 1 million doses.
However, due to the extremely low risk of blood clots, those aged under 30 years or with a risk of blood clots may be offered another vaccine; any concerns should be discussed with your GP. Those who have received one dose of AZ, should get their second dose of AZ.
COVID vaccinations are the most important and effective way of reducing the risk of getting COVID – for further information please see
- Read more information about the vaccine and access advice for patients
- You can also find more information on the NHS COVID-19 web pages
- An information leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting is available on the Public Health England website