The first New Brunswick case of rare blood clotting linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine was reported Tuesday.
Chief medical health officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said a New Brunswicker aged 30 to 39 received the AstraZeneca in mid-March prior to the March 29th recommendation of limiting the administration of the vaccine to those aged 55 and over.
She said the person received appropriate treatment and has since recovered. Her understanding is that it happened sometime between five and 21 days after receiving the vaccine when you would expect to see any adverse reactions.
Russell did not release any other details about the person, including the zone they are located in, citing privacy considerations.
“While every adverse reaction is unfortunate, it is important to remember that these blood clots are extremely rare,” Russell said.
“The vaccine helps prevent the much higher risks associated with COVID-19 infections.”
The tests and results had to go to Hamilton and, once reported to Health Canada, they are reported by Public Health. Russell said the final confirmation came Monday night.
Minimum AstraZeneca Age To Remain At 55
At this time, the province has 2,500 AstraZeneca doses and clinics to administer them to residents 55 and older will continue as planned.
She said the province won’t be lowering the age availability of the brand’s vaccine at this time but is gathering information.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) cancelled their news conference intended to give updated advice on their recommendation that AstraZeneca only be given to people 55 and older just prior to New Brunswick’s COVID-19 update.
Russell said as far as she was aware, that cancellation was not due to the reported case of blood clotting in New Brunswick.
Despite a recommendation from NACI, federal health minister Patty Hajdu said provinces and territories were “free to use” AstraZeneca’s vaccine on any groups aged 18 and above.
She said people should continue to follow Public Health guidelines especially self-isolating after travel. She said if someone cannot self-isolate they should not travel.
More People Eligible To Receive Vaccines
People 65 and older can now schedule an appointment online to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Vitalité or Horizon health networks or by contacting a participating pharmacy.
People in this age group, or a caregiver or family member calling on their behalf, can make the appointment.
A total of 19,000 spaces will be available at clinics organized by the two health networks over the next two weeks.
No New Cases
For the first time in more than a month, there were no new COVID-19 cases reported Tuesday.
There are 139 active cases across the province including 100 in the Edmundston region (Zone 4), much of which is under lockdown.
A total of 21 people are in the hospital, including eight people in the intensive care unit.
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard spoke briefly about the third wave happening in Ontario.
Shephard said the government is inviting skilled healthcare workers, whether retired or in the private system, to go to Ontario to help battle the third wave.
The federal government will pay salary and travel for this, however, the province doesn’t have the resources to send people from the public system.
When asked if the province would be sending vaccines. Shephard said the call for assistance from Ontario at this time did not include vaccines. Because there is a hotspot within New Brunswick at this time, she said they will be monitoring the situation closely.
A vaccination phone line for truck drivers has also been introduced. Truck drivers have been eligible for an appointment since March 24.
“I encourage everyone who is eligible for a vaccine and wishes to receive one to make an appointment,” said Shephard.
“If you can help someone else make an appointment, please do so. Assisting a loved one or neighbour so they can get vaccinated doesn’t just help that person, it helps us move forward as a province.”
