CECC announces precautions to take before COVID-19 vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine


PublishTime:2021-04-08
On April 8, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) pointed out that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare held an expert meeting today to discuss the European Medicines Agency's findings of a possible link between the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine shot and rare cases of unusual blood clots combined with low blood platelets. After today's meeting, the ACIP made a resolution to add related reminding messages on the notice of "precautions to take before COVID-19 vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine." The ACIP still recommended that COVID-19 vaccines be offered to the groups of individuals prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination in the suggested priority order. Members of the public eligible for vaccination are advised to consult their doctor and assess related risks before inoculation. The CECC will continue to closely monitor the issue and made appropriate adjustments on a rolling basis.

Furthermore, as taking contraceptive pills and undergoing hormone therapy are risk factors for blood clotting, people receiving these two treatments are advised to pause the treatments at least 28 days prior to and after inoculation at this stage. Also, people should immediately seek medical attention if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent abdominal pain, swollen limbs or cold limbs, persistent headaches or severe pain, blurred vision, unusual blood spots under the skin beyond the injection site, and purpura within 14 days after vaccination.