COVID-19

B.C. woman suffers reaction to Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

May 6, 2021 | 1:24 PM

SURREY — A B.C. woman in her forties has suffered a reaction to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

It’s a first in B.C. and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she’s receiving treatment in hospital. Henry estimates just 1 person in 100,000 experience such a reaction.

“We have had our first probable case of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) following an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination. This is a rare but serious condition.

“There is a test and treatment, but of course recognizing symptoms and getting treatment early on is very important. If you have had a vaccine – any vaccine – in the last four to 28 days and are feeling unwell, call 811 or contact your health-care provider,” says Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

Henry notes that there have been 694 new cases of COVID-19 in B.C. over the past 24 hours, up from 572 on Wednesday.

That brings the total number of cases in B.C. since the pandemic began to 133,619. Of those, 125,025 have recovered.

There are 6,802 active cases of the virus with 457 people in hospital, 154 of whom are in critical or intensive care. Both of those numbers are down slightly from yesterday.

Here’s the regional breakdown of new cases:

  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 153
  • Fraser Health: 445
  • Island Health: 17
  • Interior Health: 52
  • Northern Health: 27

Sadly one new death bringing B.C.’s death toll to 1,595.

Henry says 1,995,496 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C. and expects B.C. will hit the two million mark at some point today.

She also says more and more people can now book their appointments, pointing out those aged 49 and up can book their appointments starting today.

Henry says the province is now working to ensure those aged 12-17 will soon be able to register to get their shots. This after Health Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

She expects to provide further details as soon as possible.