absolutezero wrote:I await a similar level of fuss about Pfizer.JnJ etc.
There is a bit fuss from the EU about this. But nowhere near as much.
I have yet to hear Merkel or Macron publicly slate the other jabs but they were very quick to do that with AZN.
Why would there be a similar level of fuss or Slate the other jabs?
The evidence is completely different in relation to Pfizer.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/ ... -it-caused"Is this clotting seen with any other Covid-19 vaccines?
Prof Jim Buttery, head of epidemiology and signal detection at the Victorian immunisation safety service, said that of the more than 70m Pfizer doses given globally, there had been only two reports of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, both in the US. However, neither of those cases had the low platelets seen in the AstraZeneca cases.
...
“AstraZenca remains the one where we think it’s likely that this clotting is a rare but real side effect of the vaccine,” Buttery said."
It also seems there is quite a specific test that can be done to identify the particular syndrome...
"... the immune system makes antibodies to a complex of heparin and a protein called “platelet factor 4”, triggering this dangerous clotting. Those affected by the syndrome after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine also have the same complex, with antibodies to platelet factor 4 in their plasma."
"Do we have any tests to detect it?
Yes. There is a test people can be given after vaccination to see if they have antibodies against platelet factor 4 in their plasma. It also means doctors can tell if a patient has this specific rare type of clotting, as opposed to other less dangerous types of clotting that can occur in the general population even without the vaccination."
So it doesn't even need to be left to speculation. If anyone reports possible side effects that they think might be these dangerous clots, there is a specific test that can quickly determine whether it is or isn't the particular dangerous syndrome.
It's unfortunate, but it is looking increasingly probable that this syndrome is being caused by the Oxford / AZ vaccine.
When over 70million have had the Pfizer jab already, and no similar reports have been made (i.e. where the specific low platelet count was observed, etc), it's difficult to see how the AZ jab can have much future.
In the very near term, where there isn't the manufacturing capability to get enough Pfizer doses, you can probably still use the 'lesser harm vs covid' argument and if I'm offered the AZ jab in a few weeks, I'll probably just take it.
But surely, the government(s) should be looking to buy / increase production of the Pfizer and similar vaccines, like Moderna, etc) instead of ramping up AZ vaccine production now.
In the UK alone, it looks like there have been 19 deaths that look increasingly likely to be a result of the AZ vaccine, and we're only half way through the population. It's still statistically small. If it were the only jab in town, absolutely it would still be a life saver and worthy of immense praise.
But when there are other jabs available, jabs which also seem to offer better efficacy against Covid as well, there comes a point when you're just got to accept, this time the Americans and the Germans did it better. Perhaps it was just bad luck for Oxford / AZ, good fortune for the Americans and Germans. But if you put petty squabbling and nationalism to one side, and look at the evidence...
Apart from Macron's one ill-informed comment, I think the rest of the EU and the EMA, etc, have been shown vindicated in their cautious stance.
It might take a while for some people to accept it, but the EU caution over the safety of the AZ vaccine looks to be perfectly reasonable and evidence based to me, and nothing at all to do with politics.