After several European countries decided to impose a temporary ban on the usage of AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, Ireland has also decided to suspend the use of this vaccine.

"The administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14th March," a health ministry spokesperson told the news agency AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-probes-blood-clot-cases-after-astrazeneca-vaccine-suspension-370309">Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension</a>

This decision has been taken after there were several reported cases of blood clots being formed in people who took a shot of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine.

Earlier, Ireland's National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NUAC) had recommended suspending the rollout of AstraZeneca as a "precautionary principal" after "a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination".

While it hasn't been concluded yet if there is any link between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and the blood clot cases, Ireland claims the decision has been taken "pending receipt of further information," Ireland's deputy chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-faces-shortfall-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-370391">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-faces-shortfall-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-370391/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As of now, nearly 570,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in Ireland, as per government data.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has denied these claims saying, "An analysis of our safety data that covers reported cases from more than 17 million doses of vaccine administered has shown no evidence of an increased risk" in blood clot conditions.

"In fact, the reported numbers of these types of events for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are lower than the number that would have occurred naturally in the unvaccinated population," the statement read.

Ireland's announcement came a few hours after Norway reported three more cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in younger people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, but said they could not yet say they were vaccine-related.

After several European countries decided to impose a temporary ban on the usage of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, Ireland has also decided to suspend the use of this vaccine.

After several European countries decided to impose a temporary ban on the usage of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, Ireland has also decided to suspend the use of this vaccine. "The administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14th March," a health ministry spokesperson told the news agency AFP. Also read | Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension This decision has been taken after there were several reported cases of blood clots being formed in people who took a shot of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine. Earlier, Ireland's National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NUAC) had recommended suspending the rollout of AstraZeneca as a "precautionary principal" after "a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination". While it hasn't been concluded yet if there is any link between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and the blood clot cases, Ireland claims the decision has been taken "pending receipt of further information," Ireland's deputy chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said. Watch | As of now, nearly 570,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in Ireland, as per government data. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has denied these claims saying, "An analysis of our safety data that covers reported cases from more than 17 million doses of vaccine administered has shown no evidence of an increased risk" in blood clot conditions. "In fact, the reported numbers of these types of events for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are lower than the number that would have occurred naturally in the unvaccinated population," the statement read. Ireland's announcement came a few hours after Norway reported three more cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in younger people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, but said they could not yet say they were vaccine-related.

Ireland suspends use of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) is carefully assessing reports on risks related to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, a Sputnik report has said.

A number of European states have suspended vaccination with the AstraZeneca drug as a precaution after reports on severe side-effects, including blood clots, emerged, Sputnik reported.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), however, said there was currently no indication that the reported negative effects had been caused by the vaccination.

“There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine… Although a quality defect is considered unlikely at this stage, the batch quality is being investigated,” according to EMA’s Wednesday statement.

"The GACVS is carefully assessing the current reports on the AstraZeneca vaccine. As soon as WHO gains a full understanding of these events, the findings and any changes to current recommendations will be immediately communicated to the public," the WHO spokesperson said late Thursday as quoted by Sputnik.

"The information available so far indicates that the number of thromboembolic events in vaccinated people is no higher than that seen in the general population. The Committee further noted that the vaccine can continue to be administered while the investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing," the spokesperson added.

AstraZeneca said it had found no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis - marked by the formation of blood clots - in safety data of more than 10 million records, even when considering subgroups based on age, gender, production batch or country of use.

Canada has also said the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe even as Denmark and Norway temporarily suspended its use.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-delays-astrazeneca-vaccine-rollout-369838">Also read | Thailand delays AstraZeneca vaccine rollout</a>

"Health Canada is aware of reports of adverse events in Europe following immunization with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and would like to reassure Canadians that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh its risks," the health department said in a statement.

"At this time, there is no indication that the vaccine caused these events," it said.

Canada received 500,000 AstraZeneca doses made at the Serum Institute of India last week, and expects to get 1.5 million more in by May.

"To date, no adverse events related to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine... have been reported to Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada," the statement said.

The WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020.&nbsp;

More than 118.34 million people have so far been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.62 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) is carefully assessing reports on risks related to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, a Sputnik report has said.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) is carefully assessing reports on risks related to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, a Sputnik report has said. A number of European states have suspended vaccination with the AstraZeneca drug as a precaution after reports on severe side-effects, including blood clots, emerged, Sputnik reported. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), however, said there was currently no indication that the reported negative effects had been caused by the vaccination. “There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine… Although a quality defect is considered unlikely at this stage, the batch quality is being investigated,” according to EMA’s Wednesday statement. "The GACVS is carefully assessing the current reports on the AstraZeneca vaccine. As soon as WHO gains a full understanding of these events, the findings and any changes to current recommendations will be immediately communicated to the public," the WHO spokesperson said late Thursday as quoted by Sputnik. "The information available so far indicates that the number of thromboembolic events in vaccinated people is no higher than that seen in the general population. The Committee further noted that the vaccine can continue to be administered while the investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing," the spokesperson added. AstraZeneca said it had found no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis - marked by the formation of blood clots - in safety data of more than 10 million records, even when considering subgroups based on age, gender, production batch or country of use. Canada has also said the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe even as Denmark and Norway temporarily suspended its use. Also read | Thailand delays AstraZeneca vaccine rollout "Health Canada is aware of reports of adverse events in Europe following immunization with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and would like to reassure Canadians that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh its risks," the health department said in a statement. "At this time, there is no indication that the vaccine caused these events," it said. Canada received 500,000 AstraZeneca doses made at the Serum Institute of India last week, and expects to get 1.5 million more in by May. "To date, no adverse events related to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine... have been reported to Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada," the statement said. The WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. More than 118.34 million people have so far been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.62 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. (with inputs)

WHO assessing reports on risks related to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine

A few hours after several reports suggested that AstraZeneca's side effects include blood clotting, the EU drug regulator has asked to add severe allergies to the list of side-effects from this<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1"> coronavirus vaccine.</a>

On Friday, the EU drug regulator said that severe allergies should be added to the possible side effects of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine as the regulator has found likely links of such cases in the UK.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/excellent-vaccine-who-backs-use-of-astrazenecas-coronavirus-vaccine-369954" hreflang="en">'Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine</a>

The EMA said it had "recommended an update to the product information to include anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) as side effects".

This call for action has come a day after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) started an investigation of the claim that blood clots were formed in a handful of cases in Denmark after the patient got vaccinated with AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-assessing-reports-on-risks-related-to-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-369845">WHO assessing reports on risks related to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

In the highlights of the EMA committee assessing risks of medications, the EMA said, "the update is based on a review of 41 reports of possible anaphylaxis seen among around 5 million vaccinations in the United Kingdom."

It has also asserted that the declaration has been made after a review of the provided data. "After careful review of the data, (the committee) considered that a link to the vaccine was likely in at least some of these cases," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-can-be-used-until-probe-results-eu-regulator-369788" hreflang="en">Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine can be used until probe results: EU regulator</a>

This has also raised an important warning by AstraZeneca where the company has asked that the people receiving the jab should be kept under "close observation for at least 15 minutes" after getting inoculated, to monitor any allergic reactions.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has also issued a statement assuring that its coronavirus vaccine is safe to be used and has dismissed blood clotting as a side effect.

"An analysis of our safety data of more than 10 million records has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country," a spokesperson said.

"In fact, the observed number of these types of events are significantly lower in those vaccinated than would be expected among the general population."

A few hours after several reports suggested that AstraZeneca's side effects include blood clotting, the EU drug regulator has asked to add severe allergies to the list of side-effects from this coronavirus vaccine.

A few hours after several reports suggested that AstraZeneca's side effects include blood clotting, the EU drug regulator has asked to add severe allergies to the list of side-effects from this coronavirus vaccine. On Friday, the EU drug regulator said that severe allergies should be added to the possible side effects of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine as the regulator has found likely links of such cases in the UK. Also read | 'Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine The EMA said it had "recommended an update to the product information to include anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) as side effects". This call for action has come a day after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) started an investigation of the claim that blood clots were formed in a handful of cases in Denmark after the patient got vaccinated with AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine. Also read | WHO assessing reports on risks related to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine In the highlights of the EMA committee assessing risks of medications, the EMA said, "the update is based on a review of 41 reports of possible anaphylaxis seen among around 5 million vaccinations in the United Kingdom." It has also asserted that the declaration has been made after a review of the provided data. "After careful review of the data, (the committee) considered that a link to the vaccine was likely in at least some of these cases," it said. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine can be used until probe results: EU regulator This has also raised an important warning by AstraZeneca where the company has asked that the people receiving the jab should be kept under "close observation for at least 15 minutes" after getting inoculated, to monitor any allergic reactions. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has also issued a statement assuring that its coronavirus vaccine is safe to be used and has dismissed blood clotting as a side effect. "An analysis of our safety data of more than 10 million records has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country," a spokesperson said. "In fact, the observed number of these types of events are significantly lower in those vaccinated than would be expected among the general population."

Severe allergy side-effect of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: EU drug regulator

After a flurry of concerning reports from various resources, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine.</a>

"AstraZeneca is an excellent vaccine, as are the other vaccines that are being used," the WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-assessing-reports-on-risks-related-to-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-369845">WHO assessing reports on risks related to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has been assessing the reports on the concerns of risks of side-effects including blood clots.

The concern was raised by several European states who even suggested temporarily suspending the usage of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine worrying about its possible side-effects on the locals.

However, a WHO spokesperson clarified saying there is no reason not to use the AstraZeneca vaccine. "Yes, we should continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine," Margaret Harris said. "There is no indication to not use it."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-medical-agencies-backs-astrazeneca-vaccine-after-suspensions-369937">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-medical-agencies-backs-astrazeneca-vaccine-after-suspensions-369937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For now, the WHO has also clarified that although its advisory committee is currently studying the safety data provided, there is no causal link between the vaccine and blood clotting.

"We've reviewed the data on deaths. There has been no death, to date, proven to have be caused by vaccination," Harris claimed.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Italy and Romania have limited and postponed the rollout of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine since&nbsp;isolated reports of recipients developing blood clots.

While Harris has backed the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on behalf of WHO, she has also stressed that any safety signal must be investigated.

"We must always ensure that we look for any safety signals when we roll out vaccines, and we must review them," she said. "But there is no indication to not use it."

After a flurry of concerning reports from various resources, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine. "AstraZeneca is an excellent vaccine, as are the other vaccines that are being used," the WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.

After a flurry of concerning reports from various resources, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine. "AstraZeneca is an excellent vaccine, as are the other vaccines that are being used," the WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. Also read | WHO assessing reports on risks related to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has been assessing the reports on the concerns of risks of side-effects including blood clots. The concern was raised by several European states who even suggested temporarily suspending the usage of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine worrying about its possible side-effects on the locals. However, a WHO spokesperson clarified saying there is no reason not to use the AstraZeneca vaccine. "Yes, we should continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine," Margaret Harris said. "There is no indication to not use it." WATCH | For now, the WHO has also clarified that although its advisory committee is currently studying the safety data provided, there is no causal link between the vaccine and blood clotting. "We've reviewed the data on deaths. There has been no death, to date, proven to have be caused by vaccination," Harris claimed. Meanwhile, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Italy and Romania have limited and postponed the rollout of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine since isolated reports of recipients developing blood clots. While Harris has backed the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on behalf of WHO, she has also stressed that any safety signal must be investigated. "We must always ensure that we look for any safety signals when we roll out vaccines, and we must review them," she said. "But there is no indication to not use it."

'Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine

Britain has summoned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-asks-eu-to-shake-off-ill-will-over-post-brexit-trade-368653">European Union's</a> UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Watch:

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UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation.

"I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together."

Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further.&nbsp;

The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories.

European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy.

Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes".&nbsp;

"We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK.

The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September.

Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban. Watch: UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation. "I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together." Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further. The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories. European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy. Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes". "We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK. The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September. Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim

British–Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca Plc sold 7.7 per cent of its stake in American pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Moderna Inc for more than $1 billion after its shares soared on the back of its coronavirus vaccine breakthrough, The Times reported. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-expects-184-billion-in-covid-19-vaccine-sales-in-2021-366285">Also read: Moderna expects $18.4 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales in 2021</a> 
 
The shares of the US-based biotechnology company, Moderna, witnessed a rise in shares after it developed a vaccine for COVID-19.

The report added that it was not clear over what period British-based AstraZeneca sold its holding in Moderna. AstraZeneca and Moderna did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

AstraZeneca is retaining a partnership with Moderna on other disease treatments and could sell its AstraZeneca/Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine on a commercial basis in future if the virus becomes endemic, the report added.

Moderna, whose vaccine is cleared for emergency use against COVID-19 in the United States, said last week it was expecting sales of $18.4 billion from its coronavirus vaccine this year.

In December 2020, Merck sold its stake in Moderna Inc., the biotechnology company, in the midst of developing a COVID-19 vaccine. Merck sold its direct equity investment in Moderna during the first half of the fourth quarter.

(With inputs from agencies)

British–Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca Plc sold 7.7 per cent of its stake in American pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Moderna Inc for more than $1 billion after its shares soared on the back of its coronavirus vaccine breakthrough, The Times reported.

British–Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca Plc sold 7.7 per cent of its stake in American pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Moderna Inc for more than $1 billion after its shares soared on the back of its coronavirus vaccine breakthrough, The Times reported. Also read: Moderna expects $18.4 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales in 2021 The shares of the US-based biotechnology company, Moderna, witnessed a rise in shares after it developed a vaccine for COVID-19. The report added that it was not clear over what period British-based AstraZeneca sold its holding in Moderna. AstraZeneca and Moderna did not immediately respond to requests for comment. AstraZeneca is retaining a partnership with Moderna on other disease treatments and could sell its AstraZeneca/Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine on a commercial basis in future if the virus becomes endemic, the report added. Moderna, whose vaccine is cleared for emergency use against COVID-19 in the United States, said last week it was expecting sales of $18.4 billion from its coronavirus vaccine this year. In December 2020, Merck sold its stake in Moderna Inc., the biotechnology company, in the midst of developing a COVID-19 vaccine. Merck sold its direct equity investment in Moderna during the first half of the fourth quarter. (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca sells stake in Moderna for more than $1 billion: Report

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults.

''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.5 million vaccines in total before the end of March, 500,000 more now with the new approval.

Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in people 18 and over, expressing confidence it would work for the elderly even though some countries, including France, have authorised it only for use in people under 65, saying there is not enough evidence it works in older adults.

With trials showing about 62 per cent efficacy, the vaccine appears to offer less protection than those already authorised, but experts have said any vaccine with an efficacy rate of over 50 per cent could help stop the outbreak.&nbsp;

Health Canada's chief medical adviser, Dr Supriya Sharma said ''It's a good option.''

Sharma said no one has died or become severely ill in trials of the vaccines now approved by Canada or in those of Johnson &amp; Johnson and Novavax shots, which could be approved soon.

It is previously given the green light to&nbsp;Pfizer and Moderna's coronavirus vaccine.

Health authorities in Germany and other countries have raised concerns that AstraZeneca didn't test the vaccine in enough older people to prove it works for them, and indicated they would not recommend it for people over 65.&nbsp;

Belgium has authorized it only for people 55 and under Health Canada said its decision was based on pooled analyses from four ongoing clinical studies trials as well as data in countries where it has been approved.

''Based on the totality of the information, the benefit-risk profile of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is positive for the proposed indication in adults 18 years and over," Health Canada said in information posted online.

''We're starting to get real-world evidence. There is evidence that in older age group it would be effective,'' Sharma said.

Canada has now ordered 22 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot, which was co-developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. It will also receive up to 1.9 million doses through the global vaccine-sharing initiative known as COVAX by the end of June.

Trudeau said 2 million of those doses will come from the Serum Institute of India, which Sharma said uses the same recipe but a slightly different method and was also approved.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep-cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart.

Canada and many European countries have been struggling to vaccinate people as quickly as Britain, Israel, the US and elsewhere. Canada does not have domestic production and Trudeau's government has been accused of not obtaining vaccines fast enough even while also being criticized for ordering enough doses overall to supply its population 10 times over.

The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAX's stockpile and concerns were recently raised by an early study that suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa.&nbsp;

Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson &amp; Johnson for its health care workers.&nbsp;

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults. ''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults. ''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.5 million vaccines in total before the end of March, 500,000 more now with the new approval. Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in people 18 and over, expressing confidence it would work for the elderly even though some countries, including France, have authorised it only for use in people under 65, saying there is not enough evidence it works in older adults. With trials showing about 62 per cent efficacy, the vaccine appears to offer less protection than those already authorised, but experts have said any vaccine with an efficacy rate of over 50 per cent could help stop the outbreak. Health Canada's chief medical adviser, Dr Supriya Sharma said ''It's a good option.'' Sharma said no one has died or become severely ill in trials of the vaccines now approved by Canada or in those of Johnson & Johnson and Novavax shots, which could be approved soon. It is previously given the green light to Pfizer and Moderna's coronavirus vaccine. Health authorities in Germany and other countries have raised concerns that AstraZeneca didn't test the vaccine in enough older people to prove it works for them, and indicated they would not recommend it for people over 65. Belgium has authorized it only for people 55 and under Health Canada said its decision was based on pooled analyses from four ongoing clinical studies trials as well as data in countries where it has been approved. ''Based on the totality of the information, the benefit-risk profile of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is positive for the proposed indication in adults 18 years and over," Health Canada said in information posted online. ''We're starting to get real-world evidence. There is evidence that in older age group it would be effective,'' Sharma said. Canada has now ordered 22 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot, which was co-developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. It will also receive up to 1.9 million doses through the global vaccine-sharing initiative known as COVAX by the end of June. Trudeau said 2 million of those doses will come from the Serum Institute of India, which Sharma said uses the same recipe but a slightly different method and was also approved. The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep-cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart. Canada and many European countries have been struggling to vaccinate people as quickly as Britain, Israel, the US and elsewhere. Canada does not have domestic production and Trudeau's government has been accused of not obtaining vaccines fast enough even while also being criticized for ordering enough doses overall to supply its population 10 times over. The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAX's stockpile and concerns were recently raised by an early study that suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa. Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson & Johnson for its health care workers.

Canadian health agency authorises AstraZeneca vaccine