European Medicines Agency – AZ vaccine is safe and should be used. Cannot disprove link to very rare blood clotting events. Says this rare risk should be noted in documentation. Scientific position is “this is a safe and effective option to protect against Covid 19”
— seanwhelanRTE (@seanwhelanRTE) March 18, 2021
This evening.
Meanwhile…
UK reports five cases of ‘rare’ blood clot after AstraZeneca jab https://t.co/YW9RzbsXvF
— breakingnews.ie (@breakingnewsie) March 18, 2021
This afternoon.
Earlier…
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE at Dr Steevens’ Hospital for the weekly HSE operational update on the response to Covid-19
This afternoon.
Weekly HSE briefing at Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Dublin.
Ahead of a decision expected this evening from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) whether or not the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is safe to continue to use after incidents of blood clotting.
“We have had a number of clotting events, in which there has been no link in terms of cause and effect of those vaccinations. They may well have been coincidental but they’re under investigation.
“In any population based screening program other things will happen that will happen anyhow in unvaccinated people – illness, hospitalisation, even death.
“There have been a number of cases of clotting and none of the unusual type, and it’s to be expected with this heightened sense of awareness that there will be improved reporting on those to HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority].
It will investigate these and inform us if there’s any is any cause for concern, and none has been expressed to date.”
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE
Covid-19: HSE holds briefing, EMA decision due (RTÉ)
Meanwhile in Norway:
‘ “Our theory that this is a powerful immune response most likely triggered by the vaccine, has been confirmed”, says professor and chief physician Pål Andre Holme. Three Norwegian health workers under the age of 50 have been hospitalized. One is dead.’
https://sciencenorway.no/covid19/norwegian-experts-say-deadly-blood-clots-were-caused-by-the-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine/1830510
It’s all about these immune system reactions, as it is with Covid itself. The fact there is no proper discussion on these cytokine storms is the greatest red flag of them all. One would hope that come next autumn we don’t see widespread deaths across all age groups as the vaccine created proteins, which will continue to build in each recipients body, react with the wild virus resulting in a deadly cytokine storm. Coronaviruses have a long history of exactly this antibody dependant enhancement reaction when the vaccinated subject comes into contact with the wild virus. Let’s hope this isn’t the case as it could be a real horror show if we move from this level of fear and panic over a respiratory illness that affects almost exclusively the very elderly with serious underlying conditions to affecting in a deadly manner all age groups and healthy individuals too. People will go nuts. My position would be to hold off getting any vaccine for at least a year and let the more herd minded be the guinea pigs or canary in the coalmine.
…damn…too late for me Mattie…I’ve already taken my first vaccine…why didn’t you speak up earlier…it’s not as if you’re just some random bloke on the internet…what do you think they are not telling us about those half million who have died in the US?
Except Bisted, I have been raising the alarm on cytokine storms since day one. I believe my first posts on Broadsheet may even have addressed the subject of the long history of coronaviruses, antibody dependant enhancement and cytokine storms. My being “Some random bloke on the internet” is irrelevant. I can detail that history if you wish though it would be better if you started doing your own research instead of sitting waiting to be spoonfed.
“what do you think they are not telling us about those half million who have died in the US?” Oh, talk about Pandora’s Box. It would be a waste of both of our time. You’re not ready to face that kind of reality yet and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that you don’t meet it in the coming year. I hope you and I can argue and disagree beyond the next 12 months. Nobody hopes I’m wrong on this more than I do. My father, mother and sister are all vaccinated.
It’s quite ironic that, if you die from the effects of a viral infection, it’s the Cytokine Storm that actually kills you, the body performing a last-ditch effort to survive that’s actually lethal. Most victims of Covid die from this, in the final analysis. The vaccines end up, if they kill you, doing it the same way as the virus.
Indeed, and who is to say that’s not what has already been happening with antibody dependant enhancement resulting from the flu vaccine and this coronavirus? Why are some people suffering cytokine storms and others are not? How many of those who developed a cytokine storm from Covid19 had been vaccinated in the prior two years? Why is it the very elderly and in some cases medical personnel who have suffered these cytokine storms? Two populations with very high vaccination rates. Why has the homeless population not been devastated by Covid19? If there is any merit to this at all, we’re in big trouble next autumn.
Its best to be careful? Cause people? But the British media want to make it them versus us.
Like the rushing minnow commenter… picked a side, that’s it for life.
Naw, he’ll switch to whatever is the most annoying and never mention the previous one. Loyalty of a rat, that one.
Fantastic news here, via your link Bodger, thanks a million.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0318/1204634-astrazeneca-ema/
“”The committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine,” European Medicines Agency chief Emer Cooke told a press conference after a probe by the body’s safety committee.
“The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events or blood clots.”
Norwegian experts say deadly blood clots were caused by the AstraZeneca covid vaccine
“Our theory that this is a powerful immune response most likely triggered by the vaccine, has been confirmed ”, says professor and chief physician Pål Andre Holme. Three Norwegian health workers under the age of 50 have been hospitalized. One is dead.
I read that earlier! Good to hear that the EMA has not found any link. V. reassuring.
The WHO’s love child?
Here’s something interesting. The Norwegian expert you cite states that it is not up to him to decide whether or not the AZ vaccine continues to be used; rather, it’s up to the Norwegian Medicines Agency.
Who are the NMA waiting to adjudicate/report before they make their decision?
The EMA.
Like I said; interesting.
It might not be up to him, but he’s given his professional opinion. I have a mistrust of committees though – spread the blame/glory/expenses. etc.
You’d rather one person make these decisions?
Given the EMA’s track record, can we accept their pronouncements on faith?
I posted this comment a few days ago.
_____________________________
In the current pressurised atmosphere, with multi-million dollar deals and political reputations at stake, it seems extremely likely that they’ll give the AstraZeneca vaccine the all clear, regardless. In years prior the EMA has been marred in controversy -accused of a lack of transparency and of having “a revolving door with Big Pharma”.
From what I read, .in 2014 the head of the EMA was ousted before finishing his term and the organisation was meant to have undergone root and branch reform. However, recent leaked EMA documents indicate that there’s still a problem with transparency and undue influence of the pharmaceutical industry.
From the British Medical Journal last month:
https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/02/09/bmjebm-2020-111470
“The EMA ..declared in 2015 that there is no link between HPV vaccines and serious neurological adverse events. However, the certainty conveyed in EMA’s official report is undermined by a leaked, confidential document that reveals important disagreements among the experts. Furthermore, in its assessments, EMA relied on the data the drug companies had provided to them even though it had been demonstrated that the companies had underreported possible neurological harms.”
The BMJ also reports that according to the same set of leaked documents, the EMA privately had “major concerns” about the difference in quality between clinical batches of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and some early commercial batches.
https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/concerns-over-integrity-of-mrna-molecules-in-some-covid-19-vaccines/
‘..Ultimately, on 21 December, EMA authorised Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine and a report published on its website, noted, “the quality of this medicinal product, submitted in the emergency context of the current (covid-19) pandemic, is considered to be sufficiently consistent and acceptable.”
However, it’s unclear how the agency’s concerns were satisfied..
..in subsequent correspondence (initiated by the BMJ), the EMA..stated that specific information related to the acceptability criteria is confidential.’
(2nd attempt to post)
@commenter 1
I posted this comment a few days ago. Given the EMA’s track record, can we take their pronouncements on faith?
_________________
In the current pressurised atmosphere, with multi-million dollar deals and political reputations at stake, it seems extremely likely that they’ll give the AstraZeneca vaccine the all clear, regardless. In years prior, the EMA has been marred in controversy – accused of a lack of transparency and having “a revolving door with Big Pharma”.
From what I read, .in 2014 the head of the EMA was ousted before finishing his term and the organisation was meant to have undergone a root and branch reform. However, recent leaked EMA documents indicate that there’s still a problem with transparency and undue influence of the pharmaceutical industry.
From the British Medical Journal last month:
https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/02/09/bmjebm-2020-111470
“The EMA ..declared in 2015 that there is no link between HPV vaccines and serious neurological adverse events. However, the certainty conveyed in EMA’s official report is undermined by a leaked, confidential document that reveals important disagreements among the experts. Furthermore, in its assessments, EMA relied on the data the drug companies had provided to them even though it had been demonstrated that the companies had underreported possible neurological harms.”
The BMJ also reports that according to the same set of leaked documents, the EMA privately had “major concerns” about the difference in quality between clinical batches of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and some early commercial batches.
https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/concerns-over-integrity-of-mrna-molecules-in-some-covid-19-vaccines/
‘..Ultimately, on 21 December, EMA authorised Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine and a report published on its website, noted, “the quality of this medicinal product, submitted in the emergency context of the current (covid-19) pandemic, is considered to be sufficiently consistent and acceptable.”
However, it’s unclear how the agency’s concerns were satisfied..
..in subsequent correspondence (initiated by the BMJ), the EMA..stated that specific information related to the acceptability criteria is confidential.’
What has this got to do with 5 clots after 11m doses?
Well for one, there’s reason to suspect that it may be just the tip of the ice-berg. And for two, the EMA, have a track record of non-transparency in their decision making process:
“In light of the concerning reports of increased mortality and adverse events related to the vaccines, a group of eminent scientists and physicians calling themselves Doctors for COVID Ethics, have submitted an open letter the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Having thoroughly reviewed the available trial data and scientific literature, they urgently sought answers to their scientific and medical concerns.
The letter was submitted privately as a matter of urgency to the EMA on 28 February, 2021. The EMA did not respond, therefore the scientists and physicians published the letter for all to see on 10 March.” (copy of letter linked to in article for reference)
https://www.ukcolumn.org/article/why-are-we-still-giving-people-covid-19-vaccines
“Well for one, there’s reason to suspect that it may be just the tip of the ice-berg.”
What reason is that?
Well most notably, in various countries there has been a steep rise in the death rate at care homes that coincided with the rollout of the vaccines However, the potential link is not even being acknowledged for any kind of formal investigation to be carried out (Ireland included).
The medical experts who wrote to the EMA (mentioned above) make reference in this paragraph of their letter:
“We note that a wide range of side effects is being reported following vaccination of previously healthy younger individuals with the gene-based COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, there have been numerous media reports from around the world of care homes being struck by COVID-19 within days of vaccination of residents. While we recognise that these occurrences might, every one of them, have been unfortunate coincidences, we are concerned that there has been and there continues to be inadequate scrutiny of the possible causes of illness or death under these circumstances, and especially so in the absence of post-mortems examinations.”
https://doctors4covidethics.medium.com/urgent-open-letter-from-doctors-and-scientists-to-the-european-medicines-agency-regarding-covid-19-f6e17c311595
The batches produced for the minimal “testing” that was done were manufactured in a lab. The stuff the public is getting is from a factory, created much more cheaply, since there’s prifits to be made. All the vaccines have had quality control problems, including “particles” in the vials, although, since the AZ vaccine arrives as powder & is diluted & mixed at the vaccinating location, human error could be involved.
So even though there’s all this opportunity for error and contamination, we still only have 5 of these clots in 11m doses administered in the UK.
I like those odds!
The vaccines are totally safe, well, pretty safe, ok, fairly safe, etc. Next flu season, if the vaccinated manage to get through the Winter, then & only then, will we actually know. Of course, it’ll be too late for some.
It’s already too late for several hundreds of thousands around the world who died from covid… but somehow those deaths don’t count.
With Covid.
You stand corrected.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/covid-19-reinfection-more-common-in-older-people-study-finds-1.4513668?mode=amp
The Irish Times today continuing its misinformation terror campaign against the Irish people with a clear and blatant misrepresentation of their risk of suffering from Covid19 a second time. One cannot be reinfected by Covid19 as the article claims as Covid19 is not a virus. The person may be infected with the virus SARS-COV2 but according to Prof O’Neill and three recent studies on the subject, there is almost 100% immunity to developing Covid19 on reinfection. Reinfection with SARS-COV2 is nothing to be concerned about if there is no development of Covid19, the disease. The Irish Times clearly determined to maintain the current fear and hysteria levels and terrify our elderly populace.
But that’s their job.
…jeeez…didn’t understand a word of that…we are truly not worthy…if Mattie decrees it must be true…
Don’t worry Bisted. Nobody here is surprised that you do not understand the difference between SARS-COV2 the virus and Covid19 the disease. Some might think understanding such a basic and fundamental element of the pandemic which has dominated the world for over a year would be necessary to be informed on the subject, but not you. You’ve managed to develop your exceptional understanding of the topic without the need for such trivial information. Don’t worry, if it’s important RTE and the Irish Times will definitely tell you about it.
…one thing I’m truly in awe of is the triumph of medical science…internet cut and pasterers…less so…not at all in fact…
Thanks for that Breaking News tweet also, Bodger, because it links to this useful and reassuring information:
“Britain has administed [sic.] 11 million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.”
5 cases of blood clots out of 11 million doses? V. reassuring data, thanks again.
So far…
Remove the vaccine indemnity that the pharmaceutical companies have and see how quickly they comment or remove their jabs from public testing.
It would open the flood gates for the forthcoming class actions worldwide in a few years. Mark my words.
I have discussed same with some large law firms EU wide and they are in agreement.
This will not end well for anyone other than the pharmaceutical money making industry.
Or did anyone actually think that they are in it for the good of the people.
Oh, most on Broadsheet seem to think of Big Pharma as benevolent scientists (scientists can’t be bad, right?) who make medicines and drugs that make us better. It’s as childlike as that. They really have zero clue of just how dark these guys are. Their selective amnesia sees them outraged over the Mother Baby Homes yet seemingly completely ignore the revelations of GSK testing their drugs on Irish babies in the homes. Half the big boys can trace their origins to the Petrochemical industry and a disturbing number have links to the Nazi human experiments. Testing on babies of the poor has been a regular theme throughout their history right up to modern times. If you delve into these major pharma corporations you’d want a strong stomach.
No, E’Matty, they wait for a random guy on the internet to inform them – enter alick.
…ah here…we are not worthy…don’t care what he’s selling, I’m buying it…
Who informs them of the efficacy of mRNA vaccines, due to his wealth of experience in the field, despite no known successful deployment of such vaccines in the history of medical science.
Should have stuck to bleach and hydropoxywoowoo
Yeah, because that’s what he actually said.
gerrit intya!
puts hairs on yer chest! (even post-mortem)
Well you can say one thing about this thread of comments there’s a lot of confusion and unanswered questions, But yet some people still seem to be happy to take the Jab.
Well that’s quite a sea of paranoia you’re all swimming in.
There is, in the history of humanity, precisely zero effective medications that do not have side effects.
It’s a question of competing risks and benefit, to both the patient and society.
The available data suggest the vaccine is effective in very significantly reducing deaths and serious illness from an extremely contagious disease with a vanishingly small risk of serious toxicity.
Do the math.
This.
Even placebos have side effects.