MFDS: "AZ Vaccine's Benefits Outweigh Risks"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced that the AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with an overall increased risk of blood clotting disorders. However, individuals experiencing abnormal symptoms such as headaches after vaccination should visit a medical institution.

On the 20th, the MFDS distributed a letter titled "AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Information" to healthcare professionals and vaccine recipients containing this information.

The MFDS cited the European Medicines Agency (EMA), stating that given the severe and widespread nature of COVID-19, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of side effects.

The MFDS emphasized that although the number of thrombosis cases exceeds expectations and causality cannot be ruled out, such cases are rare, and COVID-19 infection itself causes hospitalizations due to thromboembolic complications, making the degree of association with the vaccine unclear.

However, if any of the following symptoms occur after vaccination: ▲ shortness of breath ▲ chest or abdominal pain ▲ swelling or coldness in the arms or legs ▲ severe or worsening headache, blurred vision ▲ persistent bleeding ▲ multiple small bruises, red or purple spots, or subcutaneous hematomas, individuals should promptly visit a medical institution and mention their recent vaccination.

Additionally, healthcare professionals should be vigilant for potential occurrences of thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in vaccinated individuals.

People who develop easy bruising or bleeding and severe headaches after three days post-vaccination should be advised to seek immediate medical attention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.