Recently, news about the side effects of the Astrazeneca vaccine that was revealed sparked concern and questions in the community. This vaccine, which uses viral vector technology, works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The main concerns center around the potential for blood clots or thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), which can occur after vaccine injection. But, is that true? Let's explore the facts.
What is TTS?
This syndrome is considered very rare, and can occur when someone experiences blood clots (thrombosis) along with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). This condition is also known as 'vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia' (VITT).
Blood clot (thrombosis) can reduce normal blood flow in the affected blood vessels. Whereas thrombocytopenia is a condition in which there are not enough platelets in the blood, which normally help blood clot and stop excessive bleeding.
TTS is a very rare side effect observed in some people after getting the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The risk of TTS is slightly higher in people under 60 years of age.
Blood clots due to TTS can occur in various parts of the body, such as:
- Brain (called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or CVST)
- Stomach (splanchnic vein thrombosis)
- Lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Extremity veins (DVT deep vein thrombosis), and arteries (arterial thrombosis).
Is It True That the AstraZeneca Vaccine Causes Blood Clots?
The AstraZeneca vaccine, which was developed using chimpanzee adenovirus, works by training the body's immune system to fight the coronavirus. Although this vaccine is known to have the side effect of blood clots, keep in mind that the possibility is very small.
In 2021, Bulgaria suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine and requested an official statement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) regarding its safety. The EMA later stated that there was no evidence to show a link between vaccine injection and blood clots, and that the benefits of the vaccine far outweighed the risks. However, in 2024, AstraZeneca acknowledged the side effect of blood clotting, although it still emphasized that its occurrence was very rare.
Factor Which Triggers Blood Clotting
Blood clotting is a natural process that usually occurs when the body is injured, functioning as part of the healing mechanism. However, there are several conditions that can cause excessive blood clotting, including:
- Hereditary factors
- Use of certain medications, such as hormonal drugs and heparin
- Diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, and autoimmune disorders
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Age, especially over 65 years
- A long journey that requires sitting for more than four hours
- Bed rest or long periods of physical inactivity
- Smoking
It is important to remember that the risk of TTS is very low, and the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh the risks. If you have any concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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