Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a very rare side effect associated with adenoviral vector vaccines (Vaxzevria® and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen®). The syndrome involves an unusual combination of thrombosis (blood clots) with thrombocytopenia (abnormally low level of the components that help blood to clot, known as platelets). Vaccine recipients are reminded to seek medical attention if they experience any of the following signs and symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, leg pain, persistent abdominal pain post vaccination, severe or persistent headaches, blurred vision, confusion, seizures (fits) or bruising beyond the site of vaccination after a few days.

In its most recent Safety Update, the Health Products Regulatory Authority noted that, as of 9th June, it had received seven reports that are suspected cases of TTS, and which describe the unusual combination of blood clotting in combination with low platelets. In relation to these suspected TTS cases, symptoms occurred approximately 1-3 weeks from vaccination with the first dose of Vaxzevria.  Based on information available at the time, the individuals were either discharged or recovering in hospital after receiving specialist medical care.

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.