Despite my family history, should I take the AstraZeneca vaccine?

Based on the information provided by the Quebec Immunization Committee, individuals with a family history of thrombosis are not specifically advised against taking the AstraZeneca vaccine. The main contraindications are if you have personally experienced thrombosis with thrombocytopenia in the past. The committee emphasizes that cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following the AstraZeneca vaccine are very rare, occurring in about 1 out of 100,000 doses administered. The committee also highlights the high efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing severe complications of COVID-19, such as hospitalizations and deaths. In the current epidemiological context of a growing third wave, the benefits of vaccination for individuals aged 45 and above outweigh the risks of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia. It is recommended that individuals in this age group, especially those with chronic illnesses, consider getting vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.