Fear of the very unusual side effect of platelets that the vaccine from Astra Zeneca could lead to has led many to say no to the vaccine.

According to several regions, many have turned in the door when they realized that it is Astra's vaccine they will be offered.

Some have even acted threateningly towards the healthcare staff and demanded another vaccine.

Greater risk of dying in covid

But the risk of dying from corona is significantly greater if one refrains from taking Astra Zeneca's vaccine compared to the risk of dying from the side effects, a ten times greater risk, according to mathematical calculations made by Tom Britton, professor of mathematics. 

- I have calculated what it means if you give up Astra's vaccine and wait a month for a few vaccines from another manufacturer, compared to the risk of suffering from the disease with platelets that Astra's vaccine could lead to.

Given the large spread of infection we have in Sweden, there is an incredibly much greater risk of dying in the corona, about ten times greater, than the risk of dying from the side effect of the vaccine, says Tom Britton.

"It is illogical to say no"

For those who are afraid of dying, it is an illogical act to say no to Astra Zeneca's vaccine, says the professor of mathematics.

But that Denmark has now chosen to completely stop the use of Astra Zeneca's vaccine, even for those over 65, is more logical, according to Tom Britton  

- If I do the same calculation on behalf of Denmark, the risk looks different.

In Denmark, the social spread of the virus is not as great as here in Sweden.

Therefore, the risk of contracting covid-19 and dying is clearly less in Denmark than in Sweden.

With this as a starting point, it is therefore more logical for the Danes to stop Astra's vaccine in view of the potential side effects.

But what can still explain why many opt out of Astra's vaccine and thus actually expose themselves to a much greater risk of dying prematurely, is about their own freedom of action.

- I think you feel that you yourself can influence your risk more if you give up the vaccine. You can, for example, choose to isolate yourself to avoid infection. One can act to reduce one's risk of contracting the virus. If you take a vaccine that you think can lead to a serious illness, you can not do anything to affect the risk of getting that disease, no matter how small that risk is, says Tom Britton.