Five suspected blood clots linked to AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in NI

That is from a total of 550,000 people given the vaccine up to April 28, reports the BBC.

The figure is in proportion to other suspected cases from across the UK including England (198); Scotland (18); Wales (9) and unknown (12).

In a statement, the Department of Health said the AstraZeneca vaccine had already saved thousands of lives in the UK and around the world.

“The adverse reactions following the Oxford-AstraZeneca first dose are extremely rare,” the department continued.

“MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) emphasise that for the vast majority of people, the benefits of preventing serious illness and death far outweigh any risks.”

The figures are contained in a government report which provides a weekly summary of coronavirus vaccine statistics and it includes any suspected side effects from any of the vaccines, which can be submitted through what is called the Yellow Card scheme.

The absolute risk of death by clotting after the AstraZeneca vaccine is about one in a million.

The Department of Health also said that many people are “alive and well today because of the vaccine”.

“The fact that we are now emerging from lockdown is thanks in no small measure to the availability of Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccines.”