A top respiratory expert from Perth has reiterated his plea to get the COVID vaccine, saying they are “exceptionally safe and effective”.
A reported 13 European nations have paused use of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to concerns over blood clots.
But Professor James Chalmers has warned there is a far greater risk of getting blood clots from COVID.
The British Lung Foundation chair of respiratory research told the Perthshire Advertiser there is no evidence of any COVID vaccine causing blood clots.
AstraZeneca has said 37 cases of blood clots had been reported out of 17 million people who have received the jag across the EU and UK.
Prof Chalmers said: “There is no proof that the AstraZeneca vaccine or any vaccine causes blood clots.
“Even if every clot that has been seen in people taking the vaccine was caused by the vaccine, it’s happening at a rate of one in 500,000. In contrast, if you get COVID-19 one in six people in hospital will get a blood clot.
“Therefore if you are worried about blood clots, get the vaccine because it’s your best chance of avoiding COVID and therefore all of the risks including blood clots.”
Prof Chalmers also dismissed speculation the suspension of the Oxford vaccine in parts of Europe might be political.
He said: “A lot of people are saying these suspensions in Europe are political - I don’t believe that is the case.
“I think everyone is trying to do their best according to the different rules for vaccines in their individual countries.”
But he does believe some European countries who have decided to pause the vaccine have made a mistake pausing the vaccine when their case rates are high.
Prof Chalmers said: “Nevertheless I think the suspensions in Europe are a mistake because countries like Italy, France and Germany have high case numbers and urgently need to continue with vaccination.
“I also think they are a mistake because the constant ‘drip-drip’ of negative news about the vaccines undermines public confidence, even when there is no need for concern.
“These are exceptionally safe and effective vaccines and ensuring the maximum number of people accept the vaccine is key to returning to normal life as quickly as possible.”
