The Canadian province of Alberta has reported its first case of the rare blood clot disorder after a patient received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The patient is a male in his 60s who has received treatment and is now recovering.
Despite having confirmed the case, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Deena Hinshaw continues to recommend AstraZeneca for anyone who is 55 and older.
"I continue to recommend AstraZeneca for anyone who is 55 and older, and to recommend that all Albertans get vaccinated as soon as they are able," Dr Hinshaw said in a statement on Saturday.
"It is the best way to protect your health and the health of those around you."
The Alberta case marks the second case of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) out of more than 700,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine administered to Canada.
"We are actively monitoring the safety of all vaccines and working with health officials across Canada to protect Albertans. While every adverse reaction is unfortunate, it is important to remember that these blood clots are extremely rare and this vaccine helps prevent the much higher risks that come from COVID-19 infection."
It comes as Australia reported its first death following a case of blood clots 'likely' linked to the vaccine on Friday.
A 48-year-old Australian woman died four days after receiving the AstraZeneca jab.
The review conducted by the Vaccine Safety Investigation Group said the woman suffered an extensive thromboembolic event resulting in blood clots in the arteries and veins, and later died in hospital.
Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt says they will continue to review its coronavirus vaccinations but says there will be no immediate change to limit the use of the vaccine.
"The government will ask ATAGI to ensure continuous review of all the vaccines in terms of their safety and their efficacy," Hunt said in a media briefing.
There have been at least 885,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine administered to Australia so far.
