Low platelets and the vaccine - anyone knowledgeable to help?!

[Cloud1220]

Anyone knowledgeable who can shed some light as google is failing me (not actually sure what I’m looking for...)

I know from recent(ish) routine pregnancy blood results that I have low platelet count. It was always on the brink of needing investigation, but didn’t cross the threshold so MWs just put it down to being ‘normal for me’. I’m booked for the vaccine (Pfizer) tomorrow & in doing some research the link between vaccine & clots keeps appearing, with mention to low platelets presenting in cases with the clots (which is I think the bit considered ‘rare’ as usually you’d get clots with a high platelets?!) but I’m no scientist so... Should I be concerned?!

Hi. Same here although my low platelets are due to Von Willebrands. I can't seem to find an answer and I'm due to have AZ on Tuesday...

The low platelets occurs as a result of the clots that can develop as a result of the complication (they all get used up) so it shows up on the blood tests when the patients present to the hospital. It is not an association between having a lower platelet count beforehand and an increased risk of complication.

My dad routinely has zero platelet count (he is blood and platelet transfusion dependent as he has MDS) he had the AZ vaccine in March.

I have low platelets and have been advised I can take any vaccine.

all for setting my mind at rest Hope this helps you to, OP.

** too

As a pp has said, the platelets clump together post vaccine to form these clots.

So the platelets become lower as they start to clump up.

It's not because platelets are already low, I hope that gives some reassurance.

You should get a leaflet that tells you what to look out post vaccine. Read that as it will help to reassure you too.

Deep breath. You have such a low chance of a clot compared to covid complications. But in this situation it's not a extra risk factor for clotting

Thanks so much everyone for replying! This is exactly what I needed, just to understand a little. It’s one of those things that’s always been at the back of my mind because nobody was able to tell me what it meant at the time.

Really glad it’s helped you too, @Rosalisa

When you go there should be a doctor or pharmacist there so you can ask to speak to them when you go in.