The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed thousands of lives across the world. We continue to treat thousands of patients across India everyday. Although newer drugs to combat the virus are emerging with continued research, the best protection against this virus remain social distancing, sanitisation of hands , use of maska and vaccination. A number of vaccines have been successfully tested against this virus and all of them (barring Johnson & johnson) require two injections to be given intramuscularly at pre defined intervals.
There is a growing concern amongst people on a variety of blood thinning medications about the safety of these injections as there is a slightly higher risk of hematoma formation or bleeding on people taking such medication.
Blood thinners that are prescribed are of two categories:
- Antiplatelets
- Aspirin / Ecospirin
- Clopidogrel
- Prasugrel
- Ticagrelor
- Oral Anticoagulants
- Warfarin
- Acitrom
- Rivaroxaban
- Apixaban
- Dabigatran
Patients on the antiplatelet group of medications can safely take the vaccination without any concern. Prolonged pressure on 5-10min on the vaccine site should stop any bleeding.
Patients on the oral anticoagulant drug group should consult their physician prior to vaccination. Those taking warfarin / acitrom may need a PT/INR test prior to vaccination. Those on apixaban / rivaroxaban / dabigatran may need to delay a dose or skip a dose in consultation with their treating physician.
