THERE is no link between vaccines and disorders.
This according to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in a statement on Saturday after several countries suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine claiming it could be connected to blood clots.
CARPHA stated, “This was done as a precautionary measure while a full investigation is conducted into the reports.
“At present, it cannot be determined whether there is a link between the vaccine and the disorders.
“Adverse reactions that happen following immunisation with any vaccine need to be fully investigated to rule out various factors, for example, illnesses, the progression of a disease, and batch assessment, before a final decision is made by the health authorities.”
It noted that the World Health Organization’s global advisory committee on vaccine safety (GACVS) systematically reviews any vaccine safety signals and concerns related to Covid-19 vaccine safety.
CARPHA stated, “As soon as WHO has gained a full understanding of these events, the findings and any changes to current recommendations will be immediately communicated to regional and international public health partners which includes CARPHA”
WHO has also stated that vaccination against Covid-19 will not reduce deaths from other causes.
Its statements were also endorsed by Technical Director of Epidemiology in the Ministry of Health Dr Avery Hinds at the virtual presser on Saturday.
Dr Hinds said that an investigation was underway and the WHO was currently evaluating the situation.
He said that unless the result of their evaluation stated otherwise, the vaccine was still safe to administer in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr Hinds noted that WHO was looking at a specific batch of the vaccine.
Acting Chief of Staff at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Dr Joanne Paul said 50 million people have taken the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine with only minor side effects being reported.
