An update on what's happening with the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe and Canada. [View all]

[speak easy]

First things first. Although the Astra vaccine has been submitted for FDA approval, Dr Fauci doubts it will be distributed in the U.S. It is simply not needed.

My general feeling is that given the contractual relationships that we have with a number of companies, that we have enough vaccine to fulfill all of our needs without invoking AstraZeneca.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/01/fauci-says-us-may-not-need-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-.html

Secondly, popular reports talk about the risk of blood clots. That is misleading. There is an extremely rare form of thrombosis called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), where clotting forms in the sinuses that drain blood from the brain. A practitioner might go through his career without seeing a case. What is extraordinary about the incidents following 4-10 days after a Astra vaccine shot is the patients also have a very low platelet counts - and platelets are the body's agent for initiating blood clots.

CVST is extremely serious. About a third of patients die.

Many millions have been vaccinated with AZD1222. Something like 100 cases of CVST have been found so far. What the authorities are trying to do is identify the risk factors so an appropriate warning can go out with the vaccine. That is what the suspensions are about. Contraindications are commonplace in the distribution of pharmaceuticals. It's pretty unremarkable stuff.

Finally, there have been no reports (at all) of CVST associated with the Pfizer/Moderna/J&J vaccines - which is another reason suspicion has fallen on AZD1222.