New South Wales insists benefits of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine outweigh the risks of rare blood clots

The NSW government is trying to temper concerns about confidence in the the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying the benefits still outweigh the risks.

‘At the moment the advice still remains get the vaccine when it’s available,’ Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Thursday.

There are concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine after a man in Melbourne developed blood clots last week after getting the jab.

‘At the moment the advice still remains get the vaccine when it’s available,’ Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Thursday

Health officials in Europe say there is a causal link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare blood clotting syndrome.

Mr Hazzard went on Nine’s Today program saying ‘everything has to be kept in perspective’.

‘There are some issues … but I think all things weighed up I’d still have no hesitation in having the AstraZeneca vaccine,’ he said.

‘Many people have died from the virus and there is some indication that in some situations, very rare … that (clots) this may occur.’

The NSW government is trying to temper concerns about confidence in the the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying the benefits still outweigh the risks

The government was waiting for further advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

There were always issues with new vaccines, Mr Hazzard said.

‘Let’s wait and give it time to work through the issues … The advice remains, particularly for those at risk, continue to have the vaccine,’ he said.

‘This time last year there were no vaccines. We are very lucky to have a vaccine. We need to be positive about this as well as being aware of the issues.’

Health officials in Europe say there is a causal link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare blood clotting syndrome