Question Number: 272
PDR Number: SQ22-000643
Date Submitted: 21/11/2022
Department or Body: Department of Health
Question 185 An in vitro study showed that the spike protein mixed in a test tube with neutrophil elastase formed amyloid-like fibrils, which might cause blood clots. However, there is no evidence of the spike protein from COVID-19 mRNA vaccines causing blood clots in humans (in vivo). Toxicity studies in animals with high doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in its final clinical formulation as administered to patients, showed no changes in platelets or coagulation parameters (e.g., platelet count/volume/distribution width, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time or development of blood clots. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to monitor national and international data on the risk of blood clots with COVID-19 vaccination. We have not identified a causal link between mRNA vaccines and the formation of blood clots. Question 190 The TGA is aware that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have made the decision to add heavy menstrual bleeding as a potential side effect of unknown frequency to the product information for COMIRNATY and SPIKEVAX. The EMA have noted publicly that cases have mostly been non-serious and temporary in nature and that there is no evidence to suggest that there is any impact on reproduction or fertility. The TGA is working with the vaccine sponsors and international regulators, including the EMA, to further elucidate this issue in the Australian context.