Virtual Multi-sectoral Symposium on Possible Link between COVID-19 Vaccines and Thrombosis
Port-of-Spain, April 30, 2021: On Friday 30th April, 2021 the Ministry of Health hosted a virtual symposium to discuss the international concerns related to the connection between the administration of certain COVID-19 vaccines and unusual cases of thrombosis (clot inside a blood vessel) associated with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count).
The participant list included key representatives from the following:
- Ministry of Health
- Pan American Health Organisation
- Regional Health Authorities
o Eastern Regional Health Authority
o North Central Regional Health Authority
o North West Regional Health Authority
o South-West Regional Health Authority
o Tobago Regional Health Authorities
- Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association
- Obstetrician-gynecologists from the Private Sector
- The University of the West Indies
The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, delivered the Opening Remarks. He expressed his gratitude to all participants for agreeing to contribute their expertise and time to examine this matter of national concern.
While Vaccine Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPT) is rare, the possible link between this syndrome and the administration of certain COVID-19 vaccines has impacted the COVID-19 vaccination policy in some international territories. It was thus determined that further discussions were warranted.
The session was moderated by Dr Adesh Sirjusingh, Director of Women’s Health.
It is anticipated that discussions arising out of the symposium will lead to a consensus on future policies related to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
