Italy, France, Germany Join Countries Suspending AstraZeneca Coronavirus Vaccine
Italy, France and Germany are awaiting the results of an investigation into serious side effects from the European Medicines Agency.
A vial of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in Saxony during the coronavirus pandemic on March 15, 2021 in Dippoldiswalde, Germany.
While there have been reports of severe cases of blood clots and brain hemorrhages, a rare condition, in people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, no direct link between the vaccine and the conditions has been made.(Jens Schlueter/Getty Images)
Three more countries announced on Monday that they were joining the growing list of those suspending the use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine over concerns of serious side effects.
Italy, France and Germany are all banning the use of the vaccine, developed with Oxford University, because of reports of people developing serious blood clots after receiving the shot.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn said in a press conference that Germany is temporarily suspending use of the vaccine, calling it “a professional decision and not a political one.”
Cartoons on the Coronavirus
“In order to maintain confidence in the vaccine, we have to give our experts in Germany and the European Union the time to examine the latest incidents,” Spahn said. “You also have to clarify the question of whether the benefit of the vaccination is still greater than the possible risks. Because one thing is clear: Even not vaccinating has serious health consequences. And we are now waiting for this process of testing.”
France soon followed, suspending the vaccine pending a review by the European Medicines Agency, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.
The agency is expected to give its assessment on Tuesday.
“We have decided to suspend the use of AstraZeneca as a precautionary measure and are hoping to resume it quickly if the EMA’s advice allows it,” Macron said during a news conference.
The Italian Medicines Agency said it was extending the ban on the use of the vaccine throughout the country as a precaution pending results of the European Medicines Agency’s investigation.
While there have been reports of severe cases of blood clots and brain hemorrhages, a rare condition, in people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, no direct link between the vaccine and the conditions has been made.
The Norwegian Medicines Agency was also informed of the death of someone who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine.