He provided more details on why a batch of AstraZeneca vaccine was discontinued.

The Austrian Federal Health Service (BASG) has received two reports, possibly related to the vaccination of the same batch of AstraZeneca vaccine. A study is currently underway to investigate two suspected adverse reactions in Austria, thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

IWT specialists told more about what happened in a short press conference.

The vaccines were delivered to Lithuania on February 15.

Use of the vaccine, according to IWT chief Gytis Andrulionis, was suspended due to the recent diagnosis of multiple thrombosis in a vaccinated person in Austria. The man died 10 days after vaccination. Another person was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, was hospitalized and recovered.

Based on the reported facts, our service yesterday proposed to the Ministry of Health to temporarily suspend vaccination with this series of vaccines until more information is received from the European Medicines Agency and it is verified that there is no link between adverse reactions and vaccination, Andrulionis explained.

So far, no reports of thromboembolic events have been received in Lithuania. This AstraZeneca mailing was distributed to institutions on February 15th.

“This morning they were practically without using another 2,000 doses,” clarified the specialist.

When asked if there were reports of adverse reactions to this series of vaccines, the IWT director said: “Given the past tense, in particular, we do not see new or different reports of adverse reactions. And we encourage all vaccinated individuals to report any adverse reactions, both from this series and from all other manufacturers. “

Rugilė Pilvinienė, Senior Advisor to IWT’s Poisoning and Pharmacovigilance Information Unit, clarified that no reports of unusual side effects had been received from this shipment. It is true that there have been several reports of common side effects: headache, malaise, fever, arm pain.

The series was awarded to 17 EU countries

Neighboring countries, Estonia and Latvia, have also decided to temporarily suspend vaccination with this series of AstraZeneca vaccines. Also Greece, Luxembourg.

This series of vaccines has been received in 17 countries of the European Union.

“This issue has been taken up by the European Medicines Agency. In their opinion, there is no reason to worry that serious adverse reactions and death are related to the vaccine. But, as I mentioned, to be as open as possible and avoid misinterpretations, we have offered to temporarily postpone those vaccine doses to avoid misinterpretations, ”said G. Andrulionis.

Death in Pasvalys is not related to the vaccine

Experts say that vaccination should not be feared, as there is little evidence that these events are related to the vaccine and bioavailability is also low.

There were also two deaths in Lithuania from people vaccinated against the coronavirus. One of them died in Pasvalys.

According to R. Pilvinienė, previous death after vaccination in Pasvalys is not related to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

However, in Lithuania there have been reports of suspected adverse reactions to coronavirus vaccines. According to the specialist, these were not reports of dangerous symptoms. Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and arm pain have been reported frequently.

“The most serious adverse reactions that are already known and reported in all countries include facial paralysis, which is already listed in the Summary of Product Characteristics. The most serious reactions are related to a severe allergic reaction ”, clarified R. Pilvinienė.

Vaccination with vaccines from other manufacturers has also been discontinued.

The Ministry of Health (SAM) and international experts emphasize that there are no objective reasons to worry or worry. Based on data from clinical trials, thromboembolism is not a typical side effect of AstraZeneca. International analysis initiated of side effect reports also does not show similar cases in the past. In order to ensure public safety and clear up doubts, the goal is to verify any assumptions about the safety of vaccines.

On February 11, 9600 vaccines of this series were delivered to Lithuania, currently unused in 1932. Vaccines of the ABV5300 series were delivered to 17 countries of the European Union. Luxembourg, Estonia, Greece, Austria and Lithuania have currently discontinued the use of this series of AstraZeneca vaccines.

It is important to note that during large-scale vaccination not only in our country, but also around the world, Lithuania constantly monitors and analyzes all information on suspected adverse reactions after the COVID-19 vaccine and takes appropriate measures. .

It is recalled that in mid-January vaccination had already been suspended for a short time due to the use of BioNTech and Pfizer vaccines, when SAM was informed of a potentially damaged cold chain during transport. The vaccination process was resumed after receiving official approval from the Pfizer representative office in Lithuania regarding the possible further use of the vaccine.