Update: Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Posted on 14 May 2021

The MHRA is carrying out a detailed review of reports of a very rare blood clotting problem affecting a small number of people who have had the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

The problem can also happen in people who have not been vaccinated and it's not yet clear why it affects some people.

The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus.

If you have already had your vaccination, there is no change to your planned second dose unless you had had significant side effects with the first dose.

Call 111 immediately if you get any of these symptoms starting from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated:

• a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
• a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
• a headache that's unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits)
• a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
• shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal (tummy) pain

If you are due your second dose vaccination, you will be contacted by our vaccination team as you approach the 12 mark since your first vaccination to arrange your appointment. Please do not contact us unless you are concerned that you have gone passed the 12 week mark from your first vaccination.

For people under 30 without other health conditions, it's currently advised that it's preferable to have another COVID-19 vaccine instead of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. If you choose to have another COVID-19 vaccine you may have to wait to be protected, but an alternative to AZ will be made available to you by the NHS. You may wish to go ahead with the AZ vaccination after you have considered all the risks and benefits for you. The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to receive your vaccination.

Read this patient leaflet – add the leaflet here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/976880/PHE_COVID-19_AZ_vaccination_guide.pdf

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-and-blood-clotting/covid-19-vaccination-and-blood-clotting

Find out more about the vaccination programme in Sussex: www.sussexhealthandcare/get-my-jab