Even though the risk of thrombosis is significantly higher with the contraceptive pill than after received the AstraZeneca jab, the vaccine still struggles with its tarnished image.
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Women have been found to be more susceptible to post-vaccination side effects in general, including in the case of cerebral venous thrombosis. But it now turns out that AstraZeneca is not alone in reputedly giving this side effect.
mRNA vaccines can also trigger cerebral venous thrombosis
A recently published study by Oxford University reveals that almost as many cerebral vein thromboses occur after vaccination with the mRNA vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna as with the vector-based vaccine from AstraZeneca.
According to this study, the dangerous blood clots occur in 4 out of 1 million cases after vaccination with Biontech/Pfizer or Moderna.
According to data from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), this side effect affects 5 in 1 million people vaccinated with AstraZeneca's drug.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is still under investigation for this. The scientists acknowledge that any comparisons should be interpreted with caution because data are still being analysed.
Oxford University, which helped develop the AstraZeneca vaccine, also says that in principle, the risk of cerebral venous thrombosis is increased by a factor of about 100 after COVID-19 infection.
In 39 out of 1 million cases, a blood clot has occurred. In contrast, the risk of thrombosis after vaccination—regardless of the vaccine—is significantly lower.
Uncertainty slows down vaccination campaigns
The British researchers also call for their study to be taken into account 'when considering the balance between risk and benefit for vaccination.'
Furthermore, they say, it should be investigated how cerebral venous thrombosis can develop after COVID-19 infections as well as after vaccinations.
Vaccination campaigns are also being held back by uncertainty about the link between vaccinations and cases of thrombosis. Many countries have rescinded previous bans on the medicine, but still recommend people under 30 seek alternative options.
Originally, the vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was also to be inoculated from mid-April. However, the manufacturer has suspended its delivery to Europe for the time being after 6 cases of thrombosis occurred as a result of the vaccination.
