AstraZeneca vaccine information and advice from Melksham’s GPs

INFORMATION and advice has been offered to patients about the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine by the local GP surgeries. 

The Melksham and Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network (PCN) has advised that the majority of patients over 30 should “receive any of the available Covid-19 vaccines”, including the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

The reassurance follows reports last week that under-30s are to be offered an alternative Covid vaccine due to the evidence linking the AstraZeneca vaccine to rare blood clots.

The surgeries are sharing the advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The recommendation by the  MHRA came after a review, which found that out of the 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, administered by the end of March, 79 people had suffered rare blood clots after vaccination – 19 of whom had died.

The PCN said, “Recently there have been reports of a very rare condition involving blood clots and unusual bleeding after vaccination with the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine and there is  new advice from Public Health England, published 7th April about the use of the AZ Vaccine which we would urge everyone to follow:

“Over 50 years of age or with underlying medical conditions – All older adults (including health and social care workers over 50 years of age), care home residents, health and social care workers and adults with certain medical conditions were prioritised in the first phase of the programme because they were at high risk of the complications of Covid-19.

“The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that you should still receive any of the available Covid-19 vaccines. 

“The benefits of vaccination in protecting you against the serious consequences of Covid-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition. You should also complete your course with the same vaccine you had for the first dose.

“If your first dose was with AZ vaccine without suffering any serious side effects you should have the second dose on time as you may still be at high risk of the complications of Covid-19. Having the second dose will give you higher and longer lasting protection

“If you are a healthy person over 30 to 50 years of age – The MHRA and the JCVI advises that all adults in this age group (including health and social care workers) should still receive any of the available Covid-19 vaccines. 

“The benefits of vaccination in protecting you against the serious consequences of Covid-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition. You should also complete your course with the same vaccine you had for the first dose.

“If you are a healthy younger person aged 18 to 29 – The MHRA and the JCVI continue to monitor the benefits and safety of the AZ vaccine in younger people. You should carefully consider the risk to both you and your family and friends of Covid-19 before making a decision.

“Currently JCVI has advised that it is preferable for people under 30 to have a vaccine other than AZ. If you choose to have another Covid-19 vaccine you may have to wait to be protected. You may wish to go ahead with the AZ vaccination after you have considered all the risks and benefits for you.

“What about the second dose? If you have already had a first dose of AZ vaccine without suffering any serious side effects you should complete the course. 

“This includes people aged 18 to 29 years who are health and social care workers, unpaid carers and family members of those who are immunosuppressed. It is expected that the first dose of the vaccine will have given you some protection, particularly against severe disease.”

Delighted with vaccine roll out

The local PCN has also said that it is “delighted” with the continued progress of its vaccine roll out, reporting that it has delivered over 22,000 first doses to its highest priority patients – a 93% uptake.

“We are delighted with the progress that the Covid-19 vaccination campaign is making across the GP surgeries in Melksham and Bradford on Avon,” said the PCN.

“Our teams working from the local vaccination centre at Spencer Sports & Social Club, Melksham and visiting patients who are housebound have now delivered over 22,000 first doses to our highest priority patients (Over 50s or 16-65 and in an at risk group). 

“This is an uptake of over 93%. We would urge anyone in this group who has not had their first vaccine to contact their surgery to arrange an appointment.

“Our focus is now on delivering second doses to these patients and completing any patients from this group who need a first dose. Even though the vaccine supply has been a little lumpy we have the supply planned to complete these.

“Finally, many thanks to the brilliant volunteers and surgery teams who have been making a phenomenal effort to make everything run as smoothly as possible!

“If you are looking for more information on Covid 19 vaccination please go to www.nhs.uk”

The local PCN is known as Melksham & Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network, and consists of the three GP practices Bradford on Avon & Melksham Health Partnership, Giffords Surgery and Spa Medical Practice – together they cover a population of c.48,000 residents. The vaccination programme is being delivered at Spencer Sports and Social Club.