The scientists examined real-world public health data from all individuals in Scotland who received either the AZ or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines up until 14 April and found a possible association between the AZ shot and an autoimmune disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
ITP leads to a reduction in blood platelets and is usually mild and self-limiting, with symptoms such as bruising and bleeding episodes, although in very rare cases it can be more serious.
