Dr. Russell Announces the Suspension of AstraZeneca Vaccine for People Under 55 in New Brunswick

New Brunswick has suspended the use of the AstraZeneca for anyone under the age of 55. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization, known as NACI, made the recommendation following studies in Europe of rare cases of people under 55 who developed blood clots up to 20 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

“While we have seen no cause for concern, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution pending further guidance from Health Canada,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, at a press conference in Fredericton.

Planned clinics using that vaccine have been postponed and will be rescheduled. The committee made the recommendation following studies in Europe that have determined that there are rare cases of people under 55 having blood clots up to 20 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. These are extremely rare side effects; however, they are cause for concern nonetheless, according to Public Health. Of the 20 million doses of the vaccine administered in Europe, there have been 25 incidents of this happening or about one in a million. 

“Throughout the pandemic, we have constantly adjusted our approach as we gathered new information,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “We will continue to respond nimbly and make decisions based on the recommendations of health experts to best protect all New Brunswickers.”

“As the only thing that is predictable about this pandemic is its unpredictability, we must continue to be flexible,” said Dr. Russell. “There will be more outbreaks and other challenges along the way, and when they occur we must respond surely and swiftly. We ask all New Brunswickers to be flexible as well, because that is how we will keep one another healthy and safe.”