List of countries that have suspended AstraZeneca vaccine
Germany, France and Italy on Monday announced plans to suspend the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine after it reportedly caused health concerns.
According to Reuters, Germany said it would not ignore the risks of the blood clots associated with the vaccine, even if reports were few.
Paul Ehrlich Institute, Germany's premier vaccine regulator recommended the suspension, according to the country's Health Minister Jens Spahn
“This is a professional decision, not a political one,” said Jens Spahn.
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France's decision to suspend the vaccine followed recommendation by the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) to assess the vaccine.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his country suspended the vaccine out of caution.
“The decision taken, in conformity also with our European policy, is to suspend, out of precaution, vaccination with the AZ shot, hoping that we can resume quickly if the EMA’s guidance allows,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.
Italy too said it suspended following EMA's recommendations to assess the vaccine.
Last week Ireland and Norway reported claims of blood clots among adults who had used the vaccine, prompting Netherlands to suspend the British-made vaccine.
Denmark, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand have also halted their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
So far, over 12 countries, mostly in Europe, have suspended the use of Astra Zeneca vaccine. Sweden and Latvia are the latest to stop the administration of the jabs.
In Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) suspended the vaccine on March 12, saying it was following European nation's moves.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it would be meeting on Tuesday to review the safety concerns of AstraZeneca. The WHO maintains that AstraZeneca is safe.
Over 17 million people have been vaccinated with Astra Zeneca in Europe with less than 40 blood clot cases reported, Al Jazeera reports.
