In recent months a great controversy has been generated by the risk of thrombosis as a consequence of the vaccine against Covid-19, as some cases have occurred. The fear of the population is real, but there is much disparate information that has arisen in this respect, and some vaccines have even been vetoed in certain countries. Dr. SantamarĂa, a hematologist, resolves some doubts about the risk of thrombosis and the Covid-19 vaccine.
Is the risk of thrombosis due to the Covid-19 vaccine really as high as has been said?
The risk of thrombosis as a consequence of the Covid-19 vaccine is very rare. In fact, there is 10 times the risk of thrombosis from COVID infection. In the case of cerebral venous thrombosis, which is the one that has been detected in the vaccines, it has been seen that in patients with Covid, this thrombosis occurs in 39 out of every million patients, while in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines it is 4 cases per million people vaccinated and, in the Astra Zeneca vaccine, it is 5 people per million people vaccinated.
Is it advisable to get the vaccine?
It is always, always advisable to get the vaccine. At present the benefit far outweighs the low risk of thrombosis. It should not be forgotten that thrombosis is one of the main causes of death due to the virus, and the risk of thrombosis and death due to COVID is much more important with the virus than with the vaccines.
Should we be afraid if we are going to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, or any other vaccine?
We should not be afraid because there is no doubt of the great benefit of vaccination, given the rare episodes of thrombosis. Moreover, we should not forget that other drugs have side effects, some of them serious, but when the benefits are observed, they always outweigh the low risk of presenting a side effect.
It is certainly important to be aware of the possible symptoms in order to recognize them as early as possible and, therefore, after vaccination, it is advisable to observe symptoms of thrombosis in the following 2-3 weeks. These symptoms may include: swelling of the legs, bruising, severe headache, etc. in addition to seeing a hematology specialist to rule out the presence of thrombosis.