A Red Deer man receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

2 cases out of 700,000+ doses across canada

Alberta identifies first case of blood clot from AstraZeneca vaccine

Apr 17, 2021 | 10:55 AM

The first Alberta case of a COVID-19 vaccine-caused blood clot has been identified, according to the province’s top doctor.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, shared Saturday morning that one case of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) was discovered this week.

Linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, it’s only the second case in Canada out of more than 700,000 doses administered of that specific vaccine.

“We have confirmed a case of the rare blood clot disorder known as VITT in Alberta. The patient is a male in his 60s who has received treatment and is recovering. To protect patient confidentiality, additional details will not be publicly released,” says Hinshaw.

“I continue to recommend AstraZeneca for anyone who is 55 and older, and to recommend that all Albertans get vaccinated as soon as they are able. It is the best way to protect your health and the health of those around you.”

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Hinshaw notes the global frequency of VITT is estimated to be one case in 100,000 to 250,000 doses of vaccine.

In comparison, she says, Albertans 55 and older diagnosed with COVID-19 have a one in 200 chance of dying from that infection, and are at least 1,500 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than experiencing VITT after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

To date, more than 1.082 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta, though the province does not break those down by each vaccine.

Almost 212,000 Albertans are fully vaccinated, and there have been 224 adverse events. More information about adverse events can be found on Canada.ca.

For more information on booking a vaccination or to find out if you’re eligible, visit Alberta.ca/covid19.