There are deadly clotting disorders being reported after the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

After receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, 3 Norwegian healthcare workers under the age of 50 were hospitalized with blood clots; one has died. Two Danish healthcare workers had similar complications; one has died. At least 30 additional cases with blood clots after the vaccine have been reported in Europe.

·         Independent German and Norwegian researchers have found evidence of an autoimmune reaction triggered by the AstraZeneca vaccine causing blood clots in the brain.

·         The European Medicines Agency continues to recommend the vaccine but did not rule out a link to a blood clotting disorder and cautioned vaccinated patients to look for warning signs.

·         The CDC reports that individuals under age 65 have a < 1% risk of death if infected with COVID-19.

·         The trade-off with the AstraZeneca vaccine is similar to that for most, if not all, vaccines—weighing the reduced risk of death with the COVID-19 vaccine (which in those under 65 is already low) versus a new, very serious blood clotting risk from the vaccine.

·         Deciding about vaccination involves a value judgment. Individuals weigh benefits and risks differently. Persons should be allowed to decide for themselves. Vaccines should NOT be mandated in West Virginia.