COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 05-08-2021
Vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and death from infection. Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia – AstraZeneca and Comirnaty (Pfizer). Like all medicines, the vaccines can have side effects (also known as adverse events). The overwhelming majority of these are mild and resolve within a few days. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) closely monitors suspected side effects. Importantly, adverse events reported to the TGA are often not caused by the vaccine itself. Learn more about causality.
Learn about the TGA’s COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring and reporting activities or report a suspected side effect.
Summary
To 1 August 2021, approximately 12.4 million vaccine doses have been given in Australia – 8.4 million first doses and 4 million second doses.
The TGA is continually monitoring the safety of the COVID-10 vaccines. The most frequently reported side effects suspected to be associated with the vaccines reflect what was seen in the clinical trials and include injection-site reactions such as a sore arm, and more general symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fever and chills.
We are closely monitoring rare reports of blood clots with low blood platelets (also called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia or TTS) following the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Three additional cases of blood clots with low blood platelets have been assessed as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) likely to be linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. When assessed using the United Kingdom (UK) case definition, 2 were confirmed and one was deemed probable TTS. Sadly, a 34-year-old woman from NSW died yesterday from confirmed TTS following a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The TGA extends its sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are in close communication with NSW health who are undertaking further investigation of this case.
The TGA is also closely monitoring reports of suspected immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following the AstraZeneca vaccine and reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine.
The protective benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 far outweigh the potential risks of vaccination.
Reported side effects for COVID-19 vaccines
Gathering reports of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) is just the first step in determining whether the effect is related to the vaccine and whether a significant safety issue is involved. Learn more about how the TGA identifies and responds to safety issues.
In the week of 26 July-1 August 2021 staff at the TGA have accepted an additional 2,257 AEFI reports into our database for COVID-19 vaccines.
Large scale vaccination means that coincidentally some people will experience a new illness or die within a few days or weeks of vaccination.
The TGA reviews all deaths reported in people who have received the vaccination. We also monitor the database of reports for signals that may relate to vaccine safety to distinguish between coincidental events and possible side effects of the vaccine. So far, the observed number of deaths reported after vaccination remains less than the expected number of deaths that would occur naturally, or from other causes, for that proportion of the population.
Since the beginning of the vaccine rollout to 1 August 2021, over 12.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given. The TGA has found that 7 reports of deaths were likely to be linked to immunisation from 425 reports received and reviewed. These deaths occurred after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine – 6 were TTS cases and one was a case of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Most commonly reported vaccine side effects
The most common adverse effects reported to the TGA following immunisation are predictable and have been observed with vaccines generally. They include headache, muscle pain, fever, chills and injection site reactions.
The most common reactions reported for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the week of 26 July-1 August 2021 were headache, fever, muscle pain, joint pain and fatigue.
The most common reactions reported for the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine in the week of 26 July-1 August 2021 were headache, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea and dizziness.
Interpreting information on vaccine adverse event reports
The TGA makes adverse event reports publicly available in the Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN).
We encourage reporting of adverse events even if people are uncertain or only suspicious that it is related to a vaccine or if the event is related temporally, meaning symptoms occurred in a timeframe that suggested they could be linked to vaccination. Thus; the reports received by the TGA contain suspected adverse events that reflect the observations of the people reporting them. These observations are reviewed, coded and published in the DAEN irrespective of whether the adverse event is assessed by the TGA to be related to the vaccination. Publication of an adverse event report does not mean that the details of the event have been confirmed, or that the event has been determined to be related to the vaccine. Some events would have happened anyway, regardless of vaccination. This is particularly the case when millions of people are being vaccinated, and especially when vaccines are given to older people and those with underlying illnesses.
Reporting suspected adverse events supports our scientists and health professionals who use the data to look for new safety signals. In some states the reporting of specific outcomes, such as death, that occur closely following a vaccination is mandatory for health professionals regardless of whether the vaccine was thought to be the cause For this reason, the number of adverse events and deaths reported is not the best indicator of the safety of the vaccines. The most authoritative safety information on the COVID-19 vaccines is included in the Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) which can be found on the TGA website - external site.
When looking for information about COVID-19 vaccines, consider whether the source of the information is credible. Useful websites such as ‘COVID vaccines – is it true? - external site’ can address false claims and misleading rumours. Other reliable resources are listed at the end of this report.
Latest immunisation recommendations
COVID-19 outbreak
As the COVID-19 outbreak involving the Delta variant continues to grow, the risk of contracting COVID-19 disease remains significant. Emerging data from the NSW outbreak - external site indicates that vaccination protects people from infection and even in the small number of vaccinated people who become infected it significantly reduces the severity of disease.
Although Comirnaty (Pfizer) is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for those aged 16-60 years old, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised that in a large outbreak, the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine strongly outweigh the risk of rare vaccine side effects in all age groups - external site. ATAGI reiterates that all adults in greater Sydney should strongly consider the benefits of earlier protection with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca rather than waiting for alternative vaccines.
Given the Delta strain seems to be more easily transmitted and possibly causes more severe disease, ATAGI reinforces the importance of reaching higher levels of first dose coverage as soon as possible. - external site ATAGI also continues to recommend getting the second AstraZeneca dose within 4–8 weeks after the first dose, rather than waiting 12 weeks, so full protection can be reached sooner. For the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine, the recommended interval between doses is 3–6 weeks.
Vaccination during pregnancy
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and ATAGI recommend immunisation with the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine at all stages of pregnancy - external site. This is due to the risk of complications from COVID disease for pregnant women and their unborn baby. To date, no serious pregnancy-related safety concerns have been identified with the Comirnaty vaccine. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the timing of vaccination with their health professional. More details - external site are given on the RANZCOG website.
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
To 1 August 2021, approximately 6.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca have been administered in Australia. We continue to receive reports of suspected side effects to the vaccine. These are generally consistent with what is being observed internationally and most are expected side effects that resolve within a few days.
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)
Early detection of TTS may help to prevent more serious complications developing. Guidance for health professionals is now available - external site which outlines when to suspect TTS, initial tests that can be performed in primary care and when to refer people for emergency care.
People should seek immediate medical attention if they develop any of the following symptoms after vaccination:
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severe or persistent headache, blurred vision, confusion or seizures
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shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain
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unusual skin bruising and/or pinpoint round spots beyond the site of vaccination.
The most common time period for onset of TTS symptoms is 4–30 days after vaccination.
TTS is a rare event involving serious blood clots with a low blood platelet count. It is triggered by the immune system’s response to the AstraZeneca vaccine and is different from other clotting conditions.
The latest rates of TTS in Australia were published in a statement from ATAGI on 28 July 2021. - external site
While TTS is very rare, some people may have concerns that they can discuss with their doctor. ‘Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca’ - external site includes information to help people make informed decisions about vaccination.
TTS cases to date
Since last week’s report, a further 3 reports of blood clots and low blood platelets have been assessed as confirmed or probable TTS likely to be linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine (Table 1). Sadly, one of the cases, a 34-year-old woman from NSW, died yesterday. The TGA extends its sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are in close communication with NSW Health who are undertaking further investigation of this case.
|
New confirmed TTS |
New probable TTS |
|---|---|
|
Two new cases:
|
One new case:
|
‡As previously reported, the TGA determines whether a report is likely to represent TTS by assessing cases against accepted criteria established by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
In addition to the new cases identified above, one case previously reported as probable was reclassified to confirmed. This takes the total Australian reports assessed as TTS following the AstraZeneca vaccine to 93 cases (57 confirmed, 36 probable) from approximately 6.8 million vaccine doses.
When assessed against the criteria used by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - external site (CDC), fewer than half of the cases reported to TGA are classified as Tier 1 cases which tend to have more serious outcomes. Tier 1 cases involve clots in an unusual location, such as the brain or abdomen (Table 2).
In Australia, severe cases of TTS appear to be more common in women in younger age groups. Nearly half of the TTS cases in women required treatment in intensive care. Cases meeting the criteria for Tier 1 were also twice as likely to occur in women compared to men. Five of the 6 deaths occurred in women aged 34, 48 (2 cases), 52 and 72-years-old. The other death was in a 44-year-old man.
|
Age |
Total cases |
CDC classification† |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
Not classified |
||
|
<30 years |
1 |
- |
1 |
- |
|
30-39 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
40-49 |
6 |
6 |
- |
- |
|
50-59 |
23 |
11 |
7 |
5 |
|
60-69 |
22 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
|
70-79 |
28 |
8 |
8 |
12 |
|
80+ |
11 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
All ages |
93 (42 men, 51 women) |
38 |
26 |
29 |
† The US CDC classification is defined as:
-
Tier 1 = clots in an unusual location (such as the brain or abdomen) and a low platelet count with or without antibodies that activate platelets (anti-PF4 antibodies)
-
Tier 2 = clots found in common locations (such as the leg or lungs) and a low platelet count and anti-PF4 antibodies
-
Not classified = case does not meet the criteria for Tier 1 or Tier 2 (for example clots in common locations with low platelet count but no evidence of anti-PF4 antibodies).
Cases have most often occurred about 2 weeks after vaccination, although the time to onset (or diagnosis) has ranged from one to 54 days (Table 3).
Table 3: Time to onset, treatment and outcomes for TTS cases*
|
Time to onset/ diagnosis (days) |
Median (range) |
12 (1-54) |
|
Treated in ICU |
At any point |
29 |
|
Currently |
4 |
|
|
Outcome |
Discharged |
72 |
|
In hospital |
15 |
|
|
Fatal |
6 |
*Data is based on the most recent medical information available to the TGA
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
The TGA is continuing to monitor reports of suspected ITP, a type of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count. It can occur when the immune system is activated, for example by a viral infection or vaccination, and mistakenly destroys platelets which help blood to clot. ITP has been reported with other vaccines and in many cases it is mild with up to a third of people having no symptoms at all, or only minor bruising. However, about 5% develop severe bleeding.
To 1 August 2021, the TGA has received 41 reports of suspected ITP following vaccination. These patients had an extremely low platelet count, and signs of thrombocytopenia including unusual bruising, a nosebleed and/or blood blisters in the mouth. These symptoms occurred in a timeframe that suggested they could be linked to vaccination and no other obvious cause was identified based on the information provided to TGA.
We encourage people to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms that could suggest ITP, such as unusual skin bruising or clusters of small red or purple spots that do not lose their colour when pressed. Unusual bleeding is another sign, for example bleeding from the nose or mouth that is hard to stop, or blood in the urine or stools.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
The TGA has been closely monitoring reports of GBS since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as it has been associated with other types of immunisations such as influenza vaccines - external site. To 1 August 2021, the TGA has received 66 reports mentioning GBS as a suspected adverse event in people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine. So far, international regulators have been unable to establish a clear link between GBS and the AstraZeneca vaccine.
GBS is a rare immune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks nerve cells. The causes are not fully understood, but it often follows a viral infection (such as influenza, cytomegalovirus and glandular fever) or gastroenteritis caused by a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni. It has also been associated with COVID-19 infection. GBS causes nerve inflammation and can result in pain, numbness, muscle weakness and difficulty walking. It tends to affect both sides of the body. In many cases GBS resolves within months but can sometimes take up to 2 years.
We encourage people to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could suggest GBS as early medical care can reduce severity and improve outcomes. Symptoms to look out for include weakness and paralysis in the hands or feet that can progress to the chest and face over a few days or weeks.
Up-to-date information about the expected side effects of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information - external site (for consumers) and Product Information - external site (for health professionals).
Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine
Provisional approval of the Comirnaty vaccine in Australia has recently been extended to include use in children aged 12–15 years old. This decision was made after careful evaluation of data from clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in this younger age group.
ATAGI recommends that children aged 12–15 years who have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 should be prioritised for vaccination. - external site This includes children who are immuno-compromised and those with asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiac and circulatory congenital anomalies, neuro developmental disorders, epilepsy or trisomy 21. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 12–15 years and children living in remote communities are also a priority.
Recommendations for other children in this age group will be made by ATAGI in the coming months following review of emerging data on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination from overseas programs. Updated recommendations will also take into account results of mathematical modelling to predict the impact of vaccinating adolescents on the population as a whole.
To 1 August 2021, approximately 5.6 million doses of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) have been administered in Australia. Reports of suspected side effects of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine received by the TGA are consistent with what has been observed in the clinical trials and by other medicine regulators overseas.
Myocarditis and pericarditis
A warning statement about myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) has recently been added to the Consumer Medicine Information - external site and Product Information - external site for the Comirnaty vaccine.
The TGA continues to monitor reports of myocarditis and pericarditis. To 1 August 2021, we have received 111 cases of suspected myocarditis and/or pericarditis.
These rare effects on the heart typically occur within 14 days of vaccination, particularly after the second dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) and more often in younger men. While cases are usually transient and resolve following rest, some patients require treatment in hospital. We encourage people to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could suggest myocarditis or pericarditis such as of chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations.
We know that myocarditis and pericarditis are much more common with COVID-19 infection and damage to the heart is frequently severe after infection. The benefits of protection against COVID-19 far outweigh the risks from these rare and transient side effects.
Up-to-date information about Pfizer Comirnaty can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information - external site (for consumers) and Product Information - external site (for health professionals).
Useful links
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 28 July 2021 - external site
Latest COVID-19 weekly surveillance in NSW – 2 August 2021 - external site
Coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers and statistics - external site
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout - external site
COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently asked questions – 15 July 2021 - external site
COVID vaccines – is it true? 14 July 2021 - external site
Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 vaccines - external site hub
AusVaxSafety - external site (active surveillance activities and information)
COVID-19 vaccine symptom checker - external site
Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN) - external site
Advice on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy – 9 June 2021 - external site
Comirnaty vaccine – phase III clinical trial - external site
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