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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has clarified the withdrawal of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine saying it's more of a commercial decision.

No AstraZeneca for 2 years

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye speaking in an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' said the Service has not administered AstraZeneca vaccine since 2022.

"We've been giving Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson and Moderna..." he indicated.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

AstraZeneca, announced a global withdrawal of its vaccines citing the existence of an uncommon adverse effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) as the reason behind this decision.

TTS is characterised by the formation of blood clots that obstruct veins or arteries, leading to potentially severe complications such as strokes or heart attacks. 

Symptoms may include unilateral leg pain and swelling, chest discomfort, or one-sided body numbness. The company's acknowledgement of these risks has prompted the withdrawal of its vaccines from circulation.

Speaking to this, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the country has not recorded any cases of TTS symptoms

"so far we've not recorded any of such cases...it's a condition you can't keep at home; definitely, you'd go to the hospital and we'll get to know. From our records, we've not had any case that is related to that..." he stated.

Listen to the full interview below