Three cases of thrombosis with a low platelet count have been reported in Australia, with one 48-year-old woman dying in a NSW hospital last week. Sydney GP Jamal Rifi said confidence had taken a hit following the reports, prompting the number of vaccine bookings at his clinic to dramatically drop. He said the clinic had been vaccinating up to 70 people a day until the medical advice was updated this month to no longer recommend AstraZeneca for people aged under 50. “Unfortunately, today, I have only 17 booked,” Dr Rifi told Today. RELATED: Reason for stark drop in vaccinations“That is what is causing the alarm for myself and other GPs.“I think it’s the side effects and the reported cases of the clots that happened in Australia.”Almost 1.5 million vaccines have been administered as of April 17. Dr Rifi said GPs were talking with patients about the rare side effects and what to look for but urged people aged over 70 to get the jab. “We would like to send the message loud and clear that people have nothing to fear from this vaccine,” he said. “They need to fear the virus itself. It (the vaccine) is safe, it is effective.”
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