top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

3 new cases of rare thrombosis in France in days after AstraZeneca jab

Health agency releases a list of symptoms to watch for after the vaccine, as the European Medicines Agency says the ‘benefits outweigh the risks’ and no link has yet been proven

Three new cases of rare thrombosis have been reported to French health agency ANSM, all of which happened on average nine days after the patients had received the AstraZeneca vaccination.

The cases were confirmed in the latest ANSM report on vaccine side effects, for the dates March 19-25.

This brings the total number of thrombosis cases reported to 12, of which four patients have died.

The cases have all been in women without any previous known conditions, of which nine were in people aged under 55, and three aged over 55.

No links to the AstraZeneca vaccination have yet been established, and the ANSM has called the incidents “very rare”.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has continued to say that the benefit-to-risk ratio of the vaccine is still positive, and has continued to advise people to have a vaccination as soon as possible.

In a statement, the EMA said: “No causal link has been proven, but it is possible, and analyses are ongoing.”

The EMA has gathered a committee of experts to evaluate any possible future actions, any adjacent risk factors, and any other relevant data that could explain the recent cases. Their findings will be discussed during a European meeting from April 6 to 9.

Symptoms to watch out for

In the meantime the ANSM has continued to advise that people in France should get a vaccine as soon as possible but to be aware of the following symptoms, and to see a doctor immediately in case of severe or persistent side-effects within three days of vaccination:

  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • leg swelling
  • abdominal pain
  • severe headaches
  • blurred vision
  • bruising at the injection site.

The ANSM said that health professionals should be aware of “the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism with or without thrombocytopenia in individuals vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine”.

Thromboembolism refers to when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel; thrombocytopenia is a condition that causes a low blood platelet count, which can cause blood clotting problems.

Risk levels

According to the latest figures from the EMA there have been 44 cases of thrombosis following the AstraZeneca vaccine in the EU Economic Area, including the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

In France, there have been 12 cases, of which four deaths, out of 1.9 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine given.

In Germany, 31 cases of suspected thrombosis - of which 19 also had a drop in platelets - have been reported so far, including nine deaths. This equates to one case per 100,000 doses.

In Norway, there have been five cases, of which three deaths, out of 120,000 injections.

In the UK, which has mainly used the AstraZeneca vaccine for its campaign, there have been 30 cases, of which seven deaths, out of 18.1 million doses given.

On Wednesday March 31, the EMA said: “The benefits of AstraZeneca's vaccine in preventing Covid-19, which leads to hospitalisations and deaths, outweigh the risks of side effects.

“At the moment, evaluations have not identified specific risk factors for these very rare events such as age, gender or a medical history that includes blood clot problems.”

Court case

Back in France, the family of a 38-year-old woman who died of thrombosis after having received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, has issued an official complaint to the public prosecutor's office in Toulouse, with a view to “achieving an inquiry”, their lawyer told the Agence France-Presse.

Other vaccines

The latest figures from ANSM show that there have been 12,249 side-effects reported for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, most of them “expected and non-severe”. No new cases were reported in the week March 19-25.

For Moderna, there have been 577 side-effects reported, again “expected and non-severe”, and no new cases reported March 19-25.

Related stories

Covid France: Why do women report more vaccine side-effects than men?

AstraZeneca jab re-approved in France but only for over 55s

AstraZeneca Covid vaccine safe, says EU Medicines Agency

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France