AstraZeneca vaccine: news Italy between second dose, open day and leaflet

Vaccino AstraZeneca protagonist in Italy, starting from Lazio, with the success of the open days. The covid vaccine, which ended up in the spotlight for rare reported cases of thrombosis and recommended in Italy to the over 60s, has risen to prominence in recent days for the Lazio region initiative. On Saturday and Sunday thousands of people queued to receive the first dose reserved for over 40s. In summer, the second dose will be given (between the end of July and the beginning of August) which has always been regularly fixed for those who have also received the first in recent months. “Given the success that has been there, the very simple methods of access and also the very small queues, we will repeat it during all weekends. Next weekend will be again for the over 40s. Then, gradually, we will also go down to other bands in a manner consistent with the regional and national programming. For the graduates we are thinking of making an ad hoc one around June 2, the Republic Day “, said the councilor for Welfare of Lazio, Alessio D’Amato. In short, the skepticism of many citizens seems like a memory. A similar initiative is looming in Sicily: From tomorrow, for three days, the over 40s will be able to get vaccinated with AstraZeneca in all the hubs of the island, even without a reservation. The initiative of the Musumeci junta aims at the immunization of the majority of people who voluntarily accept the Anglo-Swedish drug.
Aifa, moreover, through the words of President Giorgio Palù recently recalled that “there has never been a ban” on the administration of AstraZeneca in the under 60s. The European Medicines Agency “Ema has not placed restrictions on age , while Aifa has only given an indication for preferential use to the over 60s. The suggestion has been interpreted as a rule, but this is not the case “. THE LIE It is always useful to refer to the package leaflet, updated after the cases of rare thrombosis occurred in Europe. In the sheet on the Aifa website (here the Pdf), which indicates 18 years as the minimum age limit for administration, the paragraph ‘Blood disorders’ reads: “Very rare blood clots, often in unusual sites (eg eg brain, intestine, liver, spleen), in association with low blood platelet levels, in some cases accompanied by bleeding, have been observed after vaccination with Vaxzevria (the new name of the drug, ed). This condition included cases severe with blood clots at different or unusual sites as well as excessive clotting or bleeding throughout the body. Most of these cases occurred in the first fourteen days after vaccination and mainly occurred in women under 60 years of age . In some cases this condition has resulted in death. “The section on ‘Possible side effects’ reads again:” Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects although it does not all people manifest 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 feeling generally unwell – chills or feeling feverish – 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 “.