AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns: FOI release

Information requested

When did you first know of safety concerns around the AZ covid 19 vaccines ie blood clots and VITT.  What discussions did you have if any with government ministers around the safety concerns.

When did you first know about safety concerns around the pyzer c19 vaccine ie myocarditis and POTS . What discussions if any did you have with government ministers around the safety concerns.

Response

I enclose the information you requested in the format you asked for. I trust you will find the information in my reply helpful. It may be helpful to note that the Scottish Government closely monitors developments regarding vaccine safety throughout all vaccination programmes, following the independent and expert advice of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine

Officials were aware that some European countries temporarily stopped using the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine in March 2021. At this stage, neither the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had advised against using the vaccine.

The former Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman, was made aware of this situation through a submission on 15 March 2021. Regular discussions took place with Ministers to update them on the ongoing consideration of the MHRA in relation to the safety of AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine.

Pfizer vaccine - Myocarditis

Information on myocarditis as a side effect of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was first provided to Ministers in July 2021, as soon as officials were made aware of this via the MHRA and JCVI. Regular discussions took place with Ministers to update them on the ongoing consideration of the MHRA and JCVI in relation to the Pfizer vaccine and which cohorts it should be offered to.

Pfizer vaccine - Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)

At present, neither the MHRA or the JCVI have advised the 4 nation Health Departments of any concerns in relation to PoTS as a side effect linked to Pfizer’s COVID- 19 vaccine.

No Ministerial advice has been provided in regards to PoTS as a side effect of the Pfizer vaccine, as we have not been informed by the MHRA or the JCVI that this needs further consideration at this time.

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