AstraZeneca second dose, open day and thrombosis cases: what experts say

AstraZeneca to young people, yes or no? The vaccine in Italy returns to the fore after cases of thrombosis in young subjects, hospitalized after the administration of a dose of the drug that is recommended for the over 60s. Professor Franco Locatelli, coordinator of the CTS, highlights the need for a ” reflection Younger citizens have approached AstraZeneca in recent weeks, characterized by more and more frequent Open Days. The method of administration is not shared by all the experts, who take different positions: it ranges from the request for clearer positions by AIFA to the limitation of AstraZeneca to well-defined ranges, given the availability of other vaccines and immunization already obtained for a significant portion of the population. BASSETTI “On the AstraZeneca vaccine we need a clear and definitive position from Aifa. Just the ballet of communications and recommendations that have changed the age groups for this vaccine, with enormous communication errors by the Medicines Agency and the Ministry of Health. It did not do well to this anti-Covid vaccine that British data have always told us that it works very well. Now, however, given the impact of these errors on Italian public opinion, it will be decided from tomorrow whether the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be more use and tools to make only mRna vaccines “, Matteo Bassetti, director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the San Martino hospital in Genoa, told Adnkronos Health. “The vaccination strategy focuses on Pfizer, Moderna and then on CureVac. But it must be a political choice – he specifies – The public opinion is angry about the AstraZeneca vaccine, the institutions cannot leave doctors and regions alone to defend them”. CRISANTIAstraZeneca “it is a safe and effective vaccine. In some cases, however, there is a very rare association with a complication”, the rare thrombosis. Regarding the age range of the use of this vaccine “indications have been given, but there is a problem of consistency with respect to these indications. If there is an alternative” to AstraZeneca in young people, “this alternative should be used”. This was stated by Andrea Crisanti, guest at ‘L’aria che tira’ on La7, commenting on the growing doubts about the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine to 18-20 year-olds during the Open Days in the various regions. Recalling that “there is a process that occurs naturally for every vaccine, which is authorized with certain indications. As data accumulates, the perimeter of the indications changes. This is happening with AstraZeneca – he stresses – There is a need for clarity , which can come from data and transparency, from sharing data with the scientific community “. PREGLIASCO” For the AstraZeneca vaccine it could be useful to evaluate a limitation from 50 years upwards for women and from 40 years upwards for men as a prospective element. But to decide it must be the AIFA so that it is official. An indication or a communication is not enough “, is the position of the virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, professor at the State University of Milan. In specific cases “it is a question of investigating and verifying what happened. It is necessary to see – says Pregliasco – whether it is actually cases with clots and low levels of platelets. To date – the virologist recalls – there are 6 cases per million people” serious reactions to the vaccine.GISMONDO “We have precise indications from the European Medicines Agency Ema, implemented by the Italian Medicines Agency Aifa”, on how to use the AstraZeneca anti-Covid vaccine, optimizing the risk-benefit ratio. “We must absolutely adhere to these indications” and “it is sad to still see messages that create uncertainty in people, with the very serious consequence of encouraging abstention from vaccination”, says to Adnkronos Salute Maria Rita Gismondo, director of the Microbiology Laboratory clinical, virology and diagnostics of bioemergencies at the Sacco hospital in Milan. CLAIMS “The risk of AstraZeneca’s anti-Covid vaccine for women under 50 is infinitesimal and remains so even now. However, from a purely operational and pragmatic, if we want a successful vaccination among young people we use a different product, now that vaccines are available in adequate quantities. So no one talks anymore “, is the reflection of Massimo Clementi, director of the Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology of the hospital San Raffaele in Milan and lecturer at the Vita-Salute University. “Vaccination of young people – underlines Adnkronos Salute – is important to break the circulation of the virus, especially with the resumption of activities and schools in September. But let’s do it with other vaccines and not with AstraZeneca, if we have enough, such as it seems “. Clementi reflects on the ‘AstraDay’ aimed at young people, which have ended up at the center of some criticisms even from experts. “They could have been avoided – she admits – Also because, while the European Medicines Agency Ema opened to all ages for adenoviral vector vaccines, the Italian Aifa was slightly more stringent, more prudent, and suggested a preferential use over 60 years. The recommendation is a very weak rationale “. The EMA has also made available a diagram showing how the risk-benefit ratio of the AstraZeneca vaccine is higher with increasing age. Young people “are aware that they do not get sick or get sick with mild symptoms. If they get the vaccine, they do it to defend their frail or elderly family members – reflects the expert – Increasing their adhesion can be positive, we try to encourage it. We can succeed. even if, in the face of vaccination, we give more freedom. I am thinking, for example, of the much discussed discos: I would see it well that a vaccinated person can go to the discotheque in July, especially if outdoors “. GALLI” How much AstraZeneca is still indispensable to finish I do not know, and cannot know clearly, if the expected quantities of this vaccine are essential to close the “vaccination” operation and reduce the circulation of the virus. If this can be achieved with others vaccines, I would do without giving “AstraZeneca” at least to young women, “says Galli, head of infectious diseases at the Sacco hospital in Milan. “In any case,” the vaccine “has attracted too many worries, at this point it is also a question of people’s quality of life and serenity. Evaluate whether it is necessary to continue with this vaccine. If not, take it off in certain age groups, “he says.