Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine and Blood Clots
March 24, 2021
There has been a lot of talk recently about the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine relating to blood clots. A recent report by the BBC, however, has shown that the vaccine does not cause blood clots, according to UK and EU regulators, after they conducted a review into the vaccine.
In the UK, five cases of cerebral sinus vein thrombosis (CSVT), among 11 million people who have received the vaccine, occurred in men aged between 19 and 59. One of these was fatal.
The original reports stating that the vaccine may be linked to blood clots caused some countries to pause the vaccine. However, since the review, the vaccine has since started to roll out again.
The EMA review, based on data from around 20 million people vaccinated, concluded:
- the benefits of the vaccine in combating the still widespread threat of Covid-19 – which itself results in clotting problems and may be fatal – continue to outweigh the risk of side effects
- the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots (thromboembolic events) in those who receive it
- there is no evidence of a problem related to specific batches of the vaccine or to particular manufacturing sites
- the vaccine may be associated with very rare cases of brain clots and clots in multiple blood vessels (known as disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC – the EMA has received seven reports of this so far)
What Causes Blood Clots?
This news has led people to wonder what can cause blood clots. Clots are a known risk of several medical conditions, including obesity, pregnancy, and cancer. They commonly occur after long haul flights. However, not everyone is aware that extended periods of inactivity are a leading contributor. This includes bed rest after an operation.
When identified quickly and treated correctly blood clots cause little to no lasting damage. However, if they are left untreated, blood clots can lead to serious illness and death. This is where we may we able to help with blood clot negligence claims.
What is Blood Clot Negligence?
Blood clot negligence arises when hospitals, care homes, and nursing providers do not adequately manage the risk of blood clots forming. Causes of blood clot negligence can include:
- Inadequate assessment of a patient’s risk of blood clots
- Lack of preventative treatment to avoid developing a blood clot
- Insufficient support to help a patient.
Patients at exceptionally high risk of developing a blood clot in the hospital include those who are:
- overweight
- having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- have a blood clotting condition like antiphospholipid syndrome
- have experienced blood clots before
- dehydrated
- pregnant
Before admitting a patient to a hospital, administering treatment or prescribing medication, a doctor should first check their patient’s health and make preparations to minimise the risk of clots forming and damages caused by any which eventuate.
How we can help
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with all manner of medical negligence claims. This includes blood clot negligence. Contact us by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.