BARRIE -- Health Canada is updating the labels on two of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada, to add the autoimmune disorder known as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) as a potential side effect.

In an issued Tuesday, Health Canada said it is updating the label of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine to 鈥減rovide additional information about the very rare risk of ITP鈥 and the 鈥渞are risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)鈥 after vaccination.

The label on the Vazxeveria vaccine made by AstraZeneca is also being updated to provide additional information about the 鈥渧ery rare risk鈥 of thrombocytopenia, 鈥渋ncluding the very rare risk of ITP following vaccination,鈥 the agency said.

According to Health Canada, 鈥渧ery rare cases鈥 of ITP have been reported internationally in those who have received the vaccine from Janssen.

鈥淪imilarly, cases of thrombocytopenia including ITP have been reported after receiving Vaxzevria,鈥 the advisory reads.

ITP is an autoimmune disorder that can cause easy or excessive bruising and bleeding, which results from unusually low levels of platelets which help blood clot, Health Canada said.

The agency said these cases typically occur within the first four weeks after an individual has received a vaccine.

鈥淪ome of these cases occurred in individuals with a history of ITP,鈥 the statement reads.

According to Health Canada, cases with a fatal outcome have been reported abroad.

Meanwhile, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein 鈥 usually in a leg, arm or groin -- Health Canada says.

These clots may travel to the lungs, which could block blood supply resulting in 鈥減ossible life-threatening consequences,鈥 the statement said.

Health Canada says the risk of VTE should 鈥渂e considered for individuals who are at an increased risk for thromboembolism.鈥

The agency said healthcare professionals should 鈥渂e alert to the signs and symptoms of VTE.鈥

Health Canada says anyone who has received either vaccine and are experiencing the following symptoms should seek prompt medical attention immediately:

  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Unexplained bruising
  • Small purplish spots beyond the site of vaccination
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Leg pain and or swelling
  • Persistent abdominal pain

Both the AstraZeneca Vazxeveria and Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been .

Health Canada says it will continue to work with the manufacturers and domestic and international partners to 鈥済ain a better understanding of the potential relationships between COVID-19 vaccines and these adverse events.鈥

The agency said it will 鈥渢ake further action if necessary."