Two studies recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine show a link between Astra Zeneca's vaccine and serious side effects such as blood clots and platelet deficiency.
Ali Harandi, associate professor and head of the vaccine laboratory at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, tells Göteborgs-Posten that one study is about five cases of these serious side effects among more than 132,000 healthcare employees who had been vaccinated.
The second study examined eleven cases.
- But it is absolutely serious that there seems to be a clear connection between Astra Zeneca's vaccine and these unusual cases of blood clots and a lack of platelets, he says to GP.
He clarifies that these are unusual side effects, and the risk of being affected is small.
"An ongoing race"
SVT Nyheter Väst reaches Ali Harandi on Sunday night.
When asked what he thinks about the opposition to taking Astra Zeneca's vaccine, he says that there are two answers.
- It depends on.
If we talk to young people, the risk of getting side effects is higher.
For the reported cases, young people and young adults are affected.
And they are not currently offered Astra Zeneca vaccine.
- For those over 65, there is no risk of taking Astra Zeneca vaccine. While the pandemic is still going on, it is very important that those who are eligible to get vaccinated do so. It is an ongoing race between the various virus mutations and the rate of vaccination.