The province provided case counts from three reporting periods over the weekend on Monday, March 15. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

WEEKEND REPORT

B.C.’s Astrazeneca vaccine supply declared safe following blood clot reports in Europe

Mar 15, 2021 | 4:06 PM

NANAIMO — The province is downplaying concerns around the safety of the Astrazeneca vaccine in B.C., after reports of blood clots developing in vaccinated people throughout Europe.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Monday, March 15 said officials around the world continue to monitor the situation, however the 37 instances of blood clots and similar adverse reactions is dwarfed by the millions of doses administered to date.

“We also know that the vaccines we have are remarkably effective and safe and the risk of having the vaccine is dramatically decreased compared to the risk of having COVID-19.”

A total of 469 adverse effects were recorded to date in British Columbia from the province’s three approved vaccines, including 46 allergic reactions.

Dr. Henry said each adverse effect is investigated and many are coincidental or a related symptom to the virus itself.

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British Columbia reported 1,506 cases over three reporting periods on the weekend.

Island Health reported 73 new cases over the same time period, including 37 in the central Island region.

Despite the additions, the number of active cases in the health authority dropped by 13, to 216. The central Island saw a decrease of nine with currently 100 active cases.

There is a data discrepancy between Island Health and the province, based on the timing of COVID-19 results. NanaimoNewsNOW reports local verified data from Island Health.

Across B.C., the number of active cases dropped to 4,987, a decrease of 83 from Friday, March 12.

Hospitalizations, now at 269, including people in intensive care, 76, both increased from last week.

Mass vaccination clinics officially opened in the province on Monday, with non-Indigenous seniors aged 90 and over, along with First Nations elders 65 or older receiving their first of two shots.

Appointments opened for booking for those 84 and over on Monday, with those aged 80-83 getting their chance beginning later this week.

“Everybody is eager right now to get their vaccine as quickly as possible…and it will be available for everyone,” Dr. Henry said.

Public health has administered 409,103 doses of vaccine to date.

“Everyone who is immunized also protects the rest of us. When we immunize to manage these outbreaks that we are having right now, putting out those sparks reduces our community transmission and that protects us all.

Dr. Henry added restrictions pertaining to faith services will ease slightly this week. Further details are pending, however permission for churches to hold outdoor religious services is expected.

Variances on the restrictions are also due for upcoming Passover and Easter celebrations.

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