Prime Minister Draghi gave the okay during a press conference on the possibility to choose AstraZeneca for all those who have yet to take the second dose, as long as you have a clear medical opinion and relative consent.
The press conference had been urgently called by the premier at Palazzo Chigi just to do “Clarity on vaccines“ and the news is certain: the second dose can be done using Vaxzevria.
Immediately after Draghi’s videoconference, they were released all directives and all the indications directly from the ministry of Minister Speranza for Vaxzevria’s request as a second dose. Let’s see the details.
Because the second dose with AstraZeneca is now possible
The possibility of choice had already been announced in the course of the past days by the councilor for health of the Lazio Region, Alessio D’Amato. The reason why it is now possible to take AstraZeneca as a second dose is to avoid the risk of an escape from the calls caused by the possible skepticism of making a mix of vaccines.
This possibility of using AstraZeneca for the second dose is active nationwide to reassure about “Cocktail of vaccines“. In this regard, Prime Minister Draghi had already reassured by explaining that it is still good to hear a medical opinion to decide on which vaccine to choose.
The new directives and indications
The Ministry of Health – through a circular – has finally put white on black the possibility for all under 60 who have received the first dose of vaccine with AstraZeneca and who refuse or are afraid to have a different vaccine injected as a second dose, to continue with Vaxzevria.
However, for those who have received the first dose of AstraZeneca, before deciding whether to continue with the second dose of the same vaccine or to change, there is an absolute need to talk to your doctor and evaluate the specific situation with him. Only the doctor will be able to tell what is best for each specific situation.
However, after hearing the advice of your doctor, to request AstraZeneca as a second dose, you will need to sign up a consent form informed. This form will confirm that the citizen is aware of all possible risks which could involve the vaccine (in very few and rare cases).
Assessing risk with AstraZeneca: confidence and thrombosis
A consideration that comes directly from the Scientific Technical Committee is that “And thromboembolic phenomena” concerning the Vaxzevria vaccine that scare them so much, are actually very rare and even more so they are infrequent after the administration of the second dose.
According to estimates from the United Kingdom, in fact, cases of thrombosis are 1.3 per 1 million, a value that corresponds to less than a tenth and this only concerns, however, the post-first dose.
Therefore, this vaccine is considered safe for the majority of the population. Those who may be most affected by this situation are only those at risk and presenting previous pathologies related to thrombosis.
A slowdown in vaccination could be harmful
The Covid emergency commissioner, Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, stated that “there will be no slowdown” in the path of vaccination campaign. The average will continue to be equal to about 500,000 administrations per day and the presence of sufficient second doses for the current month has already been ensured.
The idea of calling the press conference was born following the controversy arising from the vicissitudes following the death of Camilla Canepa and the consequent removal from vaccination hubs.
According to Figliuolo, the Prime Minister has called a press conference to clarify one “Vaccine confusion” and – he declares – there is a need for the population to continue to trust in the vaccination campaign. It is important – continues Draghi – that the intention to vaccinate does not diminish.