Health Canada is changing the labels on two COVID-19 vaccines, warning of the very rare risk of immune conditions.
The affected vaccines are Janssen, made by Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca.
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience unexplained bruising, small purplish spots, shortness of breath, chest or leg pain, leg swelling, or persistent abdominal pain.
They could be signs of immune thrombocytopenia or venous thromboembolism.
Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition in which the body has low levels of platelets, the cells that help blood clot. It can lead to easy or excessive bruising or bleeding.
Venous thromboembolism can be a life-threatening complication. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in a leg, arm, or groin. The blood clot could travel to the lungs.
The cases typically occurred within the first four weeks after vaccination.
Health Canada is working with the makers of both vaccines, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and its international and domestic partners to learn more about the relationship between the shots and these autoimmune disorders.
