Canada lowers the age threshold for vaccination again AstraZeneca
According to recent data, the risks of side effects are independent of age.
Many Canadian provinces are now seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. The government intends to use all tools to control the pandemic, including approved vaccines and quarantine restrictions.
The AstraZeneca vaccine was approved in Canada in late February 2021. In April, the Ministry of Health concluded that rare cases of thrombosis may be associated with it, but experts do not stop to argue that the benefits of the vaccine exceed the possible risks. According to current estimates, a side effect in the form of thrombosis occurs in one person per 100,000-250,000 vaccinated.
Based on international data on AstraZeneca and a risk assessment of the severe course of COVID-19 in Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has updated its recommendations for use of the drug, lowering the acceptable age for immunization to 30 years.
Earlier, two provinces — Alberta and Ontario — allowed the drug to be vaccinated residents 40 years and older based on the Ministry of Health's statement that the vaccine is safe for all adults starting at age 18.
In its statement issued on 25 April 2021, the Ministry of Health emphasized that vaccine safety remains a priority. Any risks associated with the drugs are assessed by a number of regulatory bodies: the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Agency, NACI, and the Provincial Council of Chief Medical Officers.
The federal government has recommended that provincial governments review the age threshold for AstraZeneca vaccination.
