Health Canada looks into reports of blood clots linked to J&J COVID vaccine
Posted April 13, 2021 10:27 am.
Last Updated April 13, 2021 10:28 am.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The prime minister is urging Canadians to hold on and keep following public health measures as variants spread quickly across the country, and as Health Canada looks into reports of blood clots associated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
“Obviously, we’re following closely developments in the United States,” Justin Trudeau said Tuesday, of that country’s decision to advise a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Six patients experienced blood clots. One of those patients has died, while another is in critical condition.
The six cases were among women between the ages of 18 and 48, out of nearly 7 million doses administered.
(2 of 2) HC is following this issue closely and is working with the manufacturer, the US Food and Drug Administration and other international regulators. Health Canada has asked Janssen to provide information on any cases of these rare blood clotting events.
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) April 13, 2021
Health Canada is investigating the matter. It is also contacting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Johnson & Johnson to get more information.
Canada has ordered 10 million doses of the vaccine. Trudeau says we are still due to receive our first shipment at the end of the month, and Health Canada will always put the safety of Canadians first.
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Meanwhile, the prime minister is also raising concerns about the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Canada, saying the situation is extremely serious.
“Right now, more contagious and dangerous variants are spreading and threatening the progress we’ve made,” he said.
Record number of COVID patients in ICU
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam says we now have a record number of COVID-19 patients filling intensive care units across the country.
Dr. Tam says Cda has seen a 33% rise in daily case counts over the last 7 days, compared with the week before. Avg 8100 new cases reported daily. The number of severe or critical illness rising with 29% increase in hospitalizations, and 24% increase in ICU admissions #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) April 13, 2021
Tam says an average of 970 people have been in ICUs over the last week. The previous highest seven-day average was 880 in mid-January.
Tam posted to social media on Tuesday, announcing that she received a first dose of vaccine.
1/3 Today was my turn! Thrilled to join the millions of Canadians who have received a first dose of #Covid19Vaccines. #BeGreatVaccinate pic.twitter.com/4ApB4nb9cK
— Canada's CPHO (@CPHO_Canada) April 13, 2021
-With files from the Canadian Press