Thrombocytopenia Yellow Card Reports Research and analysis Coronavirus vaccine - weekly summary of Yellow Card reporting July 30 2021
Up to 21 July 2021, the MHRA had received Yellow Card reports of 15 cases of major thromboembolic events (blood clots) with concurrent thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) in the UK following use of the COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. These events occurred in 6 women, and 9 men aged from 31 to 91 years, and the overall case fatality rate was 7% with one death reported.
There have been no reports of CVST or other thrombo-embolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia following the use of COVID-19 vaccine Moderna up to and including the 21 July 2021.
To note, direct comparison of the summary provided here and the analysis profiles is not possible. This is because this summary includes reports of CVST or other thrombo-embolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia. Yellow Card reports may contain more than one reported reaction and the analysis profiles are listed by individual reactions rather than whole reports. Therefore, summing the reactions listed in the profiles will not equate to the total cases included within this summary.
Blood clots with concurrent low platelets
The MHRA has undertaken a thorough review into UK reports of an extremely rare specific type of blood clot in the brain, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occurring together with low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia) following vaccination with the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. It is also considering other blood clotting cases (thromboembolic events) alongside low platelet levels.
This ongoing scientific review has concluded that the evidence of a link with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is stronger and an announcement was made on 7 April 2021 with a further statement on 7 May. We have continued to publish the latest breakdown of all cases of these extremely rare side effects on a weekly basis. In this report (page 13) we provide updated information on cases received up to 21 July 2021. Our advice remains unchanged.
Anyone who experienced cerebral or other major blood clots occurring with low levels of platelets after their first vaccine dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should not have their second dose. Anyone who did not have these side effects should come forward for their second dose when invited.
The MHRA recently confirmed that the evidence to date does not suggest that the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca causes venous thromboembolism without a low platelet count.
If you experience any of the following from around 4 days after vaccination should seek medical advice urgently:
- a severe headache that is not relieved with simple painkillers or is getting worse or feels worse when you lie down or bend over
- an unusual headache that may be accompanied by blurred vision, confusion, difficulty with speech, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits)
- rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin beyond the injection site
- shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal (tummy) pain.
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