NHS BORDERS has announced that unpaid carers under the age of 30 will not receive the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine amid links to rare blood clots.

The health board issued a statement on Wednesday (April 14) as part of its coronavirus vaccination programme update.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: “All unpaid carers under 30 years of age who are due to get their vaccination will be contacted by our team in the coming days to arrange an alternative appointment to receive another vaccine.

“This is following recent guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regarding the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for those under 30 years of age with no underlying health conditions.”

By March 31, a total of 79 people in the UK had suffered the rare blood clot after receiving their first dose of the Oxford jab, with 19 of those people dying.

It has not been proven that the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab causes blood clots, although evidence of a link is now “stronger” than before.

NHS Borders revealed that more than 61,500 people have now received their first dose of one of the coronavirus vaccines across the region.

More than 17,500 have received their second dose, the health board says.

In the current wave of the vaccine roll-out, those aged 50-59 years old and unpaid carers are currently being vaccinated.

The spokesperson added: “If you are waiting to receive your second appointment please be assured that you will be contacted by the team who gave you your first jab. Please do not call your GP practice unless advised to do so.

“It is really important that you come forward to get your second dose when it is your turn to ensure that you have lasting protection against COVID-19.”