Prince Edward Island Pauses Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Prince Edward Island's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, announced today that Prince Edward Island (PEI) would pause the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria) for those under 55 years of age in the Candian province.

A total of 1,680 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in PEI. Those who have received the vaccine are asked to seek immediate medical attention if they experience related symptoms between 4 and 20 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“The risk of developing a health problem after being immunized is very low, and serious side effects are extremely rare. We take vaccine safety very seriously and believe this is the right decision at this time,” said Dr. Morrison in a press statement.

“The vaccine remains an important layer of protection against this virus, and I urge all Islanders to continue to be eager and enthusiastic to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Earlier today, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended an immediate pause in using the AstraZeneca vaccine in individuals under 55 years of age in Canada. The recommendation follows European reports of very rare, but serious, cases of blood clots associated with low levels of blood platelets following immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine. No blood clotting abnormalities have not been reported throughout Canada.