A doctor says people are at more risk of developing blood clots from flying or the contraceptive pill than through the Covid vaccine.

Dr Bharat Pankhania, who has been advising and helping shape Southend Council’s response to the pandemic, has also revealed the unusual side effects of the vaccine people should watch out for.

He made the revelations during a question and answer session with Richard Petitt, of the Southend Carers which supports unpaid carers.

When asked about safety concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine – which is not being offered to people under 30s – Dr Pankhania explained there are a number of examples from everyday life which put people at greater risk of blood clots.

They were:

  • Long haul flights
  • The oral contraceptive pill
  • Smoking
  • Contracting Covid-19

Dr Pankhania added: “Just because these vaccines were created in less than a year does not mean corners were cut.

"They are as safe as any vaccine that has been released out in the field.

“We have identified some vary rare concerns with the AZ vaccine and this is a good result of post-vaccine surveillance which has managed to pick up an unbelievably, unexpectedly rare link between blood clots and vaccine in a very, very number of people.”

Dr Pankhania went on to reject the theory that maintain good health alone will prevent people from becoming infected with coronavirus.

He added people should continue to follow social distancing and mask rules, as well as getting the vaccine when it is offered.

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The main side effects of the vaccine include tenderness/ heaviness in the arm injected, a headache, fatigue and general feeling of being unwell.

Dr Pankhania – who is a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School - said people should take painkillers to ease symptoms and should expect any side effects to pass in two days.

But he explained there were a number of ‘very rare and unusual’ symptoms which people should watch out for after having the AstraZeneca vaccine.

They are:

  • Severe and persistent headache for four days or more
  • Blurred vision
  • Shortness of breath
  • Aching or pain in legs
  • Abdominal pain

Dr Pankhania added: “If you suffer from any of those unusual, unexpected signs and symptoms, it is important you call your doctor and mention you have them.”

You can watch the Q and A in full via this link.