AstraZeneca vaccine, efficacy and thrombosis risk: after reassurances in Italy on the second dose, in Germany the go-ahead for administration without age limits arrives. Here are today’s news and the possible news coming for the Anglo-Swedish product, what the leaflet says, what are the side effects and limitations for the anti Covid vaccine. FREE GO TO GERMANY AstraZeneca in Germany for everyone, no age limit. Any adult who requests it from their GP will soon be able to get the vaccine from the Anglo-Swedish company, regardless of which priority group they belong to. The new measure was announced today by the Minister of Health, Jens Spahn. The plan, which must still obtain final approval, aims to increase the number and pace of anti-Covid vaccinations. Spahn explained that the idea is to extend national initiatives already taken by health authorities in some regions and cities. For example, in Berlin, people over 60 can already have their GP vaccinations with AstraZeneca, while for those with Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna they have to book through the city vaccination center. In Germany at the moment 7.1 million people are fully vaccinated, equal to 8.6% of the population, while 30% have received at least one dose. ITALY AND THE UNDER-60 VACCINE In Italy, after the announcement on the reassessment underway for the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine also to under 60s, news in the next few hours cannot be ruled out. “In my opinion, the AstraZeneca vaccine could also be given to people under 60 and it is not certain that there will be no news in this regard in the next few days”, announced today the Undersecretary of Health Andrea Costa, guest of ‘A sheep’s day’ on Rai Radio 1. RISK OF THROMBOSIS, WHAT THE LIAR SAYS What does the ‘leaflet’ say? While the AIFA recommendation – but not the obligation – of administration to over 60s is still valid in Italy, the package leaflet has been updated after rare thrombosis cases in Europe. In the leaflet on the Aifa website (here the Pfd), which indicates 18 years as the minimum age limit for administration, the paragraph ‘Blood disorders’ reads: “Very rare blood clots, often in unusual sites (for eg brain, intestine, liver, spleen), in association with low levels of blood platelets, in some cases accompanied by bleeding, have been observed after vaccination with Vaxzevria. This condition included severe cases with blood clots at different sites or as well as excessive clotting or bleeding throughout the body. Most of these cases occurred within the first fourteen days after vaccination and mainly occurred in women under 60 years of age. In some cases this condition resulted in death “. The section on ‘Possible side effects’ also reads:” Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Get urgent medical attention if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction occur. These reactions may include a combination of any of the following symptoms: – feeling faint or lightheaded – changes in heartbeat – shortness of breath – wheezing – swelling of the lips, face or throat – hives or rash – nausea or vomiting – stomach pain The following side effects may occur with Vaxzevria: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) – tenderness, pain, warmth, itching or bruising where the injection is given – feeling tired (fatigue) ) or general ill feeling – chills or feverish feeling – headache – feeling sick (nausea) – joint pain or muscle pain Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) – swelling or redness where it is used injection – fever (> 38 ° C) – being sick (vomiting) or diarrhea – low blood platelet levels Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) – sleepiness or feeling dizzy – decreased appetite – swollen lymph nodes – excessive sweating, itching or rash Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) – blood clots often in unusual sites (eg. brain, intestine, liver, spleen) associated with low blood platelet levels “.