Uncertainties about the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine rising rapidly in the UK

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has witnessed serious criticism in the past few months resulting in growing uncertainties about possible links to rare but adverse side effects. In spite of these concerns, the UK still has some deep faith in these vaccines, as has been found in an updated survey.

5,000 people in a recent survey showed a significant increase in the proportion of those who wanted to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as possible, but nearly 25% of those people also believe that the AstraZeneca vaccine can cause blood clots – a concern which has grown from 13% compared to the previous month.

Latest reports associated with these very rare blood clots have shaken confidence in the AstraZeneca shot, developed by Oxford University scientists, that have shown to be 76% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 during trials.

Over a dozen countries in Europe have temporarily suspended the use of this vaccine after they found reports of blood clots coupled with low platelets in a smaller number of people who had received it. These countries have resumed using the shot but with some restrictions.

"Even though the fear of blood clots has affected the reputation of AstraZeneca vaccine but the confidence in vaccines is still the same," as told by Bobby Duffy, director of King's College London's Policy Institute, which co-led the study.

The trend has shifted back towards ongoing commitments to for people to be vaccinated as quickly as possible - as the rollout generally has progressed so well, with no serious problems or infections.

Both Britain's Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have validated the relative safety of the vaccine concerning the blood clot

reports as no causal link has been established. The vaccine's benefits have far outweighed the risk of any adverse effects.

A survey conducted between April 1 and April 16 has covered almost 4,896 UK adults aged between 18 and 75. The whole purpose of this survey was to follow up on the people vaccinated last year to keep track of why and how their views towards COVID-19 vaccines have changed. 17% of respondents in this survey claimed that they would prefer to have the AstraZeneca vaccine if given a choice – which came down from 24% towards the end of March. The majority of people had no blood clotting and they don't know whether the news about vaccine is true.