AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients.

Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas."

Still, the council approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use given the pandemic emergency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-renews-backing-for-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-371857">Also read |&nbsp;WHO renews backing for AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

To this end, AstraZeneca Indonesia spokesman Rizman Abudaeri said in a statement: "At all stages of the production process, this virus vector vaccine does not use nor come in contact with pork-derived products or other animal products."

Indonesia is grappling with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia – with 1,455,788 cases and 39,447 deaths as of Saturday. Authorities in the country on Friday approved the use of the vaccine after reviewing reports that it had caused blood clots among some recipients in Europe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-to-resume-astrazeneca-jabs-after-safe-verdict-371547">Also read |&nbsp;EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict</a>

AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients. Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas.

AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients. Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas." Still, the council approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use given the pandemic emergency. Also read | WHO renews backing for AstraZeneca Covid vaccine To this end, AstraZeneca Indonesia spokesman Rizman Abudaeri said in a statement: "At all stages of the production process, this virus vector vaccine does not use nor come in contact with pork-derived products or other animal products." Indonesia is grappling with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia – with 1,455,788 cases and 39,447 deaths as of Saturday. Authorities in the country on Friday approved the use of the vaccine after reviewing reports that it had caused blood clots among some recipients in Europe. Also read | EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict

AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients

The Finnish health authority THL announced on Friday it will pause the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Finland for at least a week, following two reports of blood clots in patients who had received the jab.

Citing the "precautionary principle," the THL decided to suspend the vaccine with immediate effect "until there is more information about the case and possible causality can be evaluated", the agency said in a statement.

The decision comes a day after Europe's medicines regulator concluded the vaccine was "safe and effective".&nbsp;

Use of the vaccine will not resume before March 29, due to reports to Finland's medical regulator Fimea "of two cases of cerebral thrombosis 4-10 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine", the statement said.

The agency noted however that the observed symptoms were "extremely rare" and said there was "currently no certainty" about a causal link to the vaccine.

On Thursday, many European countries said they would resume use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, after the European Medicines Agency found the jab was "not associated" with reports of patients suffering blood clots following its use.&nbsp;

A total of 13 European countries had suspended use of the vaccine, although Finland was not among them.

The Finnish health authority THL announced on Friday it will pause the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Finland for at least a week, following two reports of blood clots in patients who had received the jab.

The Finnish health authority THL announced on Friday it will pause the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Finland for at least a week, following two reports of blood clots in patients who had received the jab. Citing the "precautionary principle," the THL decided to suspend the vaccine with immediate effect "until there is more information about the case and possible causality can be evaluated", the agency said in a statement. The decision comes a day after Europe's medicines regulator concluded the vaccine was "safe and effective". Use of the vaccine will not resume before March 29, due to reports to Finland's medical regulator Fimea "of two cases of cerebral thrombosis 4-10 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine", the statement said. The agency noted however that the observed symptoms were "extremely rare" and said there was "currently no certainty" about a causal link to the vaccine. On Thursday, many European countries said they would resume use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, after the European Medicines Agency found the jab was "not associated" with reports of patients suffering blood clots following its use. A total of 13 European countries had suspended use of the vaccine, although Finland was not among them.

Finland pauses AstraZeneca jab despite EMA 'safe' finding

Finland suspends AstraZeneca jab despite EMA 'safe' finding

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill.&nbsp;

The Danish medicines agency confirmed it had received two 'serious reports', without giving further details.&nbsp;

There were no details of when the hospital staff got ill.&nbsp;

Some countries including Germany and France this week reversed their decision to temporarily pause use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of cases of rare brain blood clots sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine any link.&nbsp;

Denmark, which put use of the vaccine on hold on March 11, has not yet resumed use.&nbsp;

The European Union's drug watchdog said on Thursday, it is still convinced the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood clots that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use.&nbsp;

European Medicines Agency (EMA) director Emer Cooke said on Thursday, the watchdog could not definitively rule out a link between blood clot incidents and the vaccine in its investigation into 30 cases of a rare blood clotting condition.&nbsp;

But she said the 'clear' conclusion of the review was that the benefits in protecting people from the risk of death or hospitalisation outweighs the possible risks. The issue deserves further analysis, the EMA said.&nbsp;

AstraZeneca, which developed the shot with Oxford University, has said a review covering more than 17 million people, who had received its shots in the EU and Britain had found no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination. The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill.

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination. The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill. The Danish medicines agency confirmed it had received two 'serious reports', without giving further details. There were no details of when the hospital staff got ill. Some countries including Germany and France this week reversed their decision to temporarily pause use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of cases of rare brain blood clots sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine any link. Denmark, which put use of the vaccine on hold on March 11, has not yet resumed use. The European Union's drug watchdog said on Thursday, it is still convinced the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood clots that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use. European Medicines Agency (EMA) director Emer Cooke said on Thursday, the watchdog could not definitively rule out a link between blood clot incidents and the vaccine in its investigation into 30 cases of a rare blood clotting condition. But she said the 'clear' conclusion of the review was that the benefits in protecting people from the risk of death or hospitalisation outweighs the possible risks. The issue deserves further analysis, the EMA said. AstraZeneca, which developed the shot with Oxford University, has said a review covering more than 17 million people, who had received its shots in the EU and Britain had found no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots. (With inputs from agencies)

Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark 

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk.

The announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;Several European countries, to this end, said they would soon resume vaccinations.

The list of these countries includes Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria.

EMA chief Emer Cooke said Thursday that its "committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine" after an investigation into the AstraZeneca jab.

"The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events or blood clots," she added.

However,&nbsp;the agency said it "cannot rule out definitively" a link to a rare clotting disorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The UK health regulator also said there were no links between blood clots and the Pfizer vaccine.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) repeated that it was better to take the AstraZeneca vaccine than not.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-regulator-shrug-off-astrazeneca-vaccine-concerns-371478">Also read |&nbsp;EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns</a>

AstraZeneca's chief medical officer Ann Taylor said that "vaccine safety is paramount and we welcome the regulators' decisions which affirm the overwhelming benefit of our vaccine in stopping the pandemic".

Norway and Sweden, however, said they were not ready to resume using the vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health said it "took note" of the EMA's ruling, but it was "premature" to draw conclusions and it would announce its own opinion by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, France on Thursday became the latest nation to toughen Covid restrictions, announcing a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and several other regions to try and stave off a third wave of infections that has overwhelmed hospitals.&nbsp;

The measures fall short of a full-blown lockdown, but will see non-essential shops closed and outdoor movement restricted in the affected regions, while schools are to stay open.&nbsp;

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measures as well as saying he would get the AstraZeneca vaccine "to show that we can have complete confidence in it".

Bulgaria and Ukraine also readied for tougher restrictions to stem rising cases, while the WHO issued a grim update on ballooning infections in Central Europe and the Balkans.

Italy, the first European country to become engulfed by the pandemic, held a national day of mourning Thursday, with a ceremony in Bergamo, the northern city that became known as "Italy's Wuhan" -- the Chinese city where the first Covid-19 cases were identified.

Italy chose March 18 for the memorial to coincide with the day in 2020 when the army had to step in to carry away scores of coffins from Bergamo's overwhelmed crematorium.

(with inputs from agencies)

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk.

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk. The announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases. Several European countries, to this end, said they would soon resume vaccinations. The list of these countries includes Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. EMA chief Emer Cooke said Thursday that its "committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine" after an investigation into the AstraZeneca jab. "The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events or blood clots," she added. However, the agency said it "cannot rule out definitively" a link to a rare clotting disorder. The UK health regulator also said there were no links between blood clots and the Pfizer vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) repeated that it was better to take the AstraZeneca vaccine than not. Also read | EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns AstraZeneca's chief medical officer Ann Taylor said that "vaccine safety is paramount and we welcome the regulators' decisions which affirm the overwhelming benefit of our vaccine in stopping the pandemic". Norway and Sweden, however, said they were not ready to resume using the vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health said it "took note" of the EMA's ruling, but it was "premature" to draw conclusions and it would announce its own opinion by the end of next week. Meanwhile, France on Thursday became the latest nation to toughen Covid restrictions, announcing a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and several other regions to try and stave off a third wave of infections that has overwhelmed hospitals. The measures fall short of a full-blown lockdown, but will see non-essential shops closed and outdoor movement restricted in the affected regions, while schools are to stay open. French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measures as well as saying he would get the AstraZeneca vaccine "to show that we can have complete confidence in it". Bulgaria and Ukraine also readied for tougher restrictions to stem rising cases, while the WHO issued a grim update on ballooning infections in Central Europe and the Balkans. Italy, the first European country to become engulfed by the pandemic, held a national day of mourning Thursday, with a ceremony in Bergamo, the northern city that became known as "Italy's Wuhan" -- the Chinese city where the first Covid-19 cases were identified. Italy chose March 18 for the memorial to coincide with the day in 2020 when the army had to step in to carry away scores of coffins from Bergamo's overwhelmed crematorium. (with inputs from agencies)

EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict

AstraZeneca jab had left the European Union completely divided over the fear of blood clotting which could lead to further complications resulting in death. But now the European Medicine Agency has confirmed that the vaccine is actually pretty safe.

COVID-19 Vaccine: European Union drug regulator says AstraZeneca jab is safe

European Medicine Agency is set to reveal its findings on the AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine, which have left the European Nations divided over blood clot fears.

WION Fineprint: European Medicine Agency to reveal its findings on AstraZeneca jab soon

India has said that it is going ahead with administring the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to roll out the shot in its huge immunisation programme "with full vigour".

India: AstraZeneca vaccinations will go on with full vigour

PARIS — It’s said that the European Union grows stronger through crises. The bloc’s attempt at a coordinated vaccination program, less a rollout than a roller coaster, has tested that theory, and now the suspension of the AstraZeneca shots in many countries threatens to turn widespread disarray into an outright debacle.

“I feel like we are being used as guinea pigs,” said Khady Ballo, 21, a law student in the southern French town of Montpellier. “I would not get the AstraZeneca vaccine even if it is approved again.”

Although it seems likely that the European Medicines Agency, the 27-member union’s top drug regulator, will quickly pronounce the AstraZeneca vaccine safe, millions of Europeans have been shaken by the back-and-forth and will be more hesitant about vaccination.

“Before this, I was so pro-vaccines I would have dipped children into them,” said Maria Grazia Del Pero, 62, who works in tourism in Milan. But now, “I would not get AstraZeneca because that would be like playing Russian roulette.”

Providing vaccines for the EU’s 450 million people was never going to be a simple task, especially as the union hardly had a coordinated health policy before the pandemic. But bureaucratic delay and confusion in procuring vaccines from pharmaceutical companies, followed by slow authorization, followed by delivery problems, followed by the sudden panic over the AstraZeneca shot, has left European governments on the defensive and Europeans reeling.

In France, the government has swerved from lauding the AstraZeneca inoculation a few days ago to suspending it. The reaction to this confusion was swift, even if the government insists there is no established medical cause for fear. A poll by the Elabe Institute published Tuesday showed that only 20% of French people now trust the AstraZeneca vaccine, with 58% skeptical, and 22% undecided.

“I trust AstraZeneca, I trust the vaccines,” Ursula von der Leyen, the top EU official, said at a news conference in Brussels. But reassuring words may not persuade Europeans experiencing policy whiplash.

In a clear attempt to shore up shaken confidence, Jean Castex, the French prime minister, told BFM TV he would himself get the AstraZeneca vaccine “as soon as the green light is given.” He had not previously spoken of doing this.

“The trust of Italians is deeply compromised, not only toward the AstraZeneca vaccine but also toward the authorities,” Roberto Burioni, a leading Italian virus expert, said. “These sudden and inexplicable changes in decisions create concerns everywhere.” Even an “all good” verdict from the European Medicines Agency, likely Thursday, “will not be enough.”

Concerns about the shot are based on a small number of recipients who developed blood clots or abnormal bleeding. But researchers and drug regulators say they have seen no evidence of an increase in such complications or a connection to the inoculation.

AstraZeneca said this week that a review of more than 17 million people who had received its vaccine found that they were actually less likely than the general population to develop dangerous clots.

European countries, led by France and Germany, have been torn between a strong desire to avoid what they call “vaccination nationalism,” and the realization that the EU was not fully prepared for an operation on this scale. If integration of the bloc’s health policy has been fast-forwarded, with possible long-term benefits, lives have also been lost.

The sight of Britain powering ahead with vaccinations — more than 26 million doses have been given, more than three times the number in France — has been particularly galling, given its recent exit from the union. Some Europeans understandably ask why.

Trust has long been a central issue in France, where skepticism toward COVID-19 vaccines late last year was widespread. In December, less than half the population said it was ready to be vaccinated.

That number, according to a poll by Harris Interactive, had risen to 64% earlier this month, before the AstraZeneca setback. Even then, however, trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine was lower, at 43% of the population, a number now halved.

The situation is scarcely better in Germany, although its death rate from the virus has been lower than France’s. “Stopping the AstraZeneca maximizes the damage to its image that has plagued the German vaccination strategy from the beginning,” Ulrich Weigeldt, the head of the German Association of General Practitioners, told the Funke media group. “Vaccination is and remains a question of trust.”

Confidence in the vaccine remains fairly high in Britain, where millions of people have received it, and even on the Continent, many Europeans seem untouched by the AstraZeneca fears. “I would definitely get the AstraZeneca vaccine if approved again,” said Corinne Taddei, 60, a karate instructor in Paris. The COVID vaccines, she said, are “the only solution to save us and get out of this pandemic.”

Maria Paraskevoula, a 52-year-old teacher in Athens, Greece, was also unbowed. “I’ll take any vaccine, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, I don’t care. From what I’ve heard, the chances of any problems are minimal. There’s always a risk but isn’t a bigger risk to walk around waiting to get infected?”

Last week, when reports surfaced that two men in Sicily, an Italian naval officer and a police officer, had died shortly after taking the AstraZeneca shot, the website of the Tuscany region registered 4,100 cancellations for the AstraZeneca vaccine in a day, roughly 12% of the people booked for the week ahead. In a few days, however, the vacancies were filled by other residents.

The disarray comes at a difficult moment with Europe facing what Castex, the French prime minister, has called “a kind of third wave” from new variants of the virus, even as exhaustion and depression have set in, along with severe hardship. Europe’s eventual economic recovery from the pandemic is set to be much slower than the American.

With the national mood restive, and a presidential election next year, the French government is wavering between further lockdowns and suggestions that by April 15 restaurants may start to open and a curfew be eased.

Its target of having 10 million people vaccinated with at least a first shot by mid-April, as compared to 5.6 million today, now looks ambitious given the fallout from the AstraZeneca panic. But French authorities insist it can be done, even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has to be withdrawn.

More than a year from the first lockdowns around Europe, an end to the crisis seems no closer. “I was never a No-Vaxxer,” said Laura Cerchi, a teacher at an elementary school on the outskirts of Florence who had her first shot of AstraZeneca in early March. “But all this confusion had me wondering whether I want to do the second shot or not. The mixed messages are not boosting my confidence in vaccines.”

In an interview, Clément Beaune, France’s junior minister for European Affairs, defended European policy. “I don’t believe that it’s European weightiness that is slowing down our vaccination process. Do we have problems in Europe? Yes. Would we — France, Germany — resolve these better at a national level waging war to obtain vaccine doses? I do not believe so.”

PARIS — It’s said that the European Union grows stronger through crises. The bloc’s attempt at a coordinated vaccination program, less a rollout than a roller coaster, has tested that theory, and now the suspension of the AstraZeneca shots in many countries threatens to turn widespread disarray into an outright debacle.

PARIS — It’s said that the European Union grows stronger through crises. The bloc’s attempt at a coordinated vaccination program, less a rollout than a roller coaster, has tested that theory, and now the suspension of the AstraZeneca shots in many countries threatens to turn widespread disarray into an outright debacle. “I feel like we are being used as guinea pigs,” said Khady Ballo, 21, a law student in the southern French town of Montpellier. “I would not get the AstraZeneca vaccine even if it is approved again.” Although it seems likely that the European Medicines Agency, the 27-member union’s top drug regulator, will quickly pronounce the AstraZeneca vaccine safe, millions of Europeans have been shaken by the back-and-forth and will be more hesitant about vaccination. “Before this, I was so pro-vaccines I would have dipped children into them,” said Maria Grazia Del Pero, 62, who works in tourism in Milan. But now, “I would not get AstraZeneca because that would be like playing Russian roulette.” Providing vaccines for the EU’s 450 million people was never going to be a simple task, especially as the union hardly had a coordinated health policy before the pandemic. But bureaucratic delay and confusion in procuring vaccines from pharmaceutical companies, followed by slow authorization, followed by delivery problems, followed by the sudden panic over the AstraZeneca shot, has left European governments on the defensive and Europeans reeling. In France, the government has swerved from lauding the AstraZeneca inoculation a few days ago to suspending it. The reaction to this confusion was swift, even if the government insists there is no established medical cause for fear. A poll by the Elabe Institute published Tuesday showed that only 20% of French people now trust the AstraZeneca vaccine, with 58% skeptical, and 22% undecided. “I trust AstraZeneca, I trust the vaccines,” Ursula von der Leyen, the top EU official, said at a news conference in Brussels. But reassuring words may not persuade Europeans experiencing policy whiplash. In a clear attempt to shore up shaken confidence, Jean Castex, the French prime minister, told BFM TV he would himself get the AstraZeneca vaccine “as soon as the green light is given.” He had not previously spoken of doing this. “The trust of Italians is deeply compromised, not only toward the AstraZeneca vaccine but also toward the authorities,” Roberto Burioni, a leading Italian virus expert, said. “These sudden and inexplicable changes in decisions create concerns everywhere.” Even an “all good” verdict from the European Medicines Agency, likely Thursday, “will not be enough.” Concerns about the shot are based on a small number of recipients who developed blood clots or abnormal bleeding. But researchers and drug regulators say they have seen no evidence of an increase in such complications or a connection to the inoculation. AstraZeneca said this week that a review of more than 17 million people who had received its vaccine found that they were actually less likely than the general population to develop dangerous clots. European countries, led by France and Germany, have been torn between a strong desire to avoid what they call “vaccination nationalism,” and the realization that the EU was not fully prepared for an operation on this scale. If integration of the bloc’s health policy has been fast-forwarded, with possible long-term benefits, lives have also been lost. The sight of Britain powering ahead with vaccinations — more than 26 million doses have been given, more than three times the number in France — has been particularly galling, given its recent exit from the union. Some Europeans understandably ask why. Trust has long been a central issue in France, where skepticism toward COVID-19 vaccines late last year was widespread. In December, less than half the population said it was ready to be vaccinated. That number, according to a poll by Harris Interactive, had risen to 64% earlier this month, before the AstraZeneca setback. Even then, however, trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine was lower, at 43% of the population, a number now halved. The situation is scarcely better in Germany, although its death rate from the virus has been lower than France’s. “Stopping the AstraZeneca maximizes the damage to its image that has plagued the German vaccination strategy from the beginning,” Ulrich Weigeldt, the head of the German Association of General Practitioners, told the Funke media group. “Vaccination is and remains a question of trust.” Confidence in the vaccine remains fairly high in Britain, where millions of people have received it, and even on the Continent, many Europeans seem untouched by the AstraZeneca fears. “I would definitely get the AstraZeneca vaccine if approved again,” said Corinne Taddei, 60, a karate instructor in Paris. The COVID vaccines, she said, are “the only solution to save us and get out of this pandemic.” Maria Paraskevoula, a 52-year-old teacher in Athens, Greece, was also unbowed. “I’ll take any vaccine, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, I don’t care. From what I’ve heard, the chances of any problems are minimal. There’s always a risk but isn’t a bigger risk to walk around waiting to get infected?” Last week, when reports surfaced that two men in Sicily, an Italian naval officer and a police officer, had died shortly after taking the AstraZeneca shot, the website of the Tuscany region registered 4,100 cancellations for the AstraZeneca vaccine in a day, roughly 12% of the people booked for the week ahead. In a few days, however, the vacancies were filled by other residents. The disarray comes at a difficult moment with Europe facing what Castex, the French prime minister, has called “a kind of third wave” from new variants of the virus, even as exhaustion and depression have set in, along with severe hardship. Europe’s eventual economic recovery from the pandemic is set to be much slower than the American. With the national mood restive, and a presidential election next year, the French government is wavering between further lockdowns and suggestions that by April 15 restaurants may start to open and a curfew be eased. Its target of having 10 million people vaccinated with at least a first shot by mid-April, as compared to 5.6 million today, now looks ambitious given the fallout from the AstraZeneca panic. But French authorities insist it can be done, even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has to be withdrawn. More than a year from the first lockdowns around Europe, an end to the crisis seems no closer. “I was never a No-Vaxxer,” said Laura Cerchi, a teacher at an elementary school on the outskirts of Florence who had her first shot of AstraZeneca in early March. “But all this confusion had me wondering whether I want to do the second shot or not. The mixed messages are not boosting my confidence in vaccines.” In an interview, Clément Beaune, France’s junior minister for European Affairs, defended European policy. “I don’t believe that it’s European weightiness that is slowing down our vaccination process. Do we have problems in Europe? Yes. Would we — France, Germany — resolve these better at a national level waging war to obtain vaccine doses? I do not believe so.”

Trust in AstraZeneca vaccine is shaken in Europe

The world's largest vaccine manufacturer India has said that it is going ahead with AstraZeneca vaccinations as it has seen no sign that the vaccine causes blood clots among the recipients.

India: AstraZeneca vaccinations will go on full vigour

Europe&nbsp;is a continent divided with 17 countries on one side and 27 on the other. Separating them is the AstraZeneca vaccine. Riled by fears of blood clots, Europe's big powers have suspended its use. Germany, France, Italy and Spain are among them.

Worldwide, at least 20 nations have paused their vaccine rollout. They want more clarity on the jab's safety. It's a huge blow to the global immunisation drive. Every day&nbsp;AstraZeneca remains shelved, lives are lost.

The expert opinion is clear. The blood clots are unrelated to vaccines. The benefits of taking the shot outweigh the risks.

"While the investigation is ongoing, currently, we are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risks of these side effects," said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of European Medicines Agency.

The Europeans are playing wait and watch. On Thursday, EU's top medicines regulator will analyse the effects of AstraZeneca. They are expected to give a clean chit. Chances are, member states will lift the suspension soon after.

Unless the problem has something to do with other than just science.

Could the move to suspend AstraZeneca have been a political one? There is a strong case to be made.

For starters, AstraZeneca is a British vaccine. Relations across the channel have been frayed since Brexit. And two, Europe's vaccination drive was stumbling. AstraZeneca was the perfect distraction.

"The EU's own regulators said there's no reason, no grounds to suspend taking the vaccine or the rollout and that is itself echoed by the World Health Organization. So this vaccine is safe. We respect the processes and the procedures that some other countries may need to go through, but the vaccine is safe and people should certainly continue to take it to protect themselves and their friends and family, " said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

So, is the fear over blood clots warranted? There have been 37 cases in 17 million recipients. Experts say it's hardly a trend.

And beyond Europe, AstraZeneca remains much sought after. The US has placed an order for half a million doses. Australia says it will continue to use the jabs. And on Tuesday, the Thai prime minister took the shot himself just hours after France and Germany announced their suspension.

In Europe, Serbia and Belgium plan to continue using AstraZeneca.

Europe's inoculation drive is already losing steam. The bloc has given 11 shots per 100 people. Britain is administering more than thrice that. The sudden suspension could also reignite anti-vaccine sentiments.

AstraZeneca was touted as the bulwark against the Wuhan virus. It is cheap and easy to store.

Time is of the essence in vaccination drives. And now is not the time to abandon your most potent weapon.

Europe is a continent divided with 17 countries on one side and 27 on the other. Separating them is the AstraZeneca vaccine. Riled by fears of blood clots, Europe's big powers have suspended its use.

Europe is a continent divided with 17 countries on one side and 27 on the other. Separating them is the AstraZeneca vaccine. Riled by fears of blood clots, Europe's big powers have suspended its use. Germany, France, Italy and Spain are among them. Worldwide, at least 20 nations have paused their vaccine rollout. They want more clarity on the jab's safety. It's a huge blow to the global immunisation drive. Every day AstraZeneca remains shelved, lives are lost. The expert opinion is clear. The blood clots are unrelated to vaccines. The benefits of taking the shot outweigh the risks. "While the investigation is ongoing, currently, we are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risks of these side effects," said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of European Medicines Agency. The Europeans are playing wait and watch. On Thursday, EU's top medicines regulator will analyse the effects of AstraZeneca. They are expected to give a clean chit. Chances are, member states will lift the suspension soon after. Unless the problem has something to do with other than just science. Could the move to suspend AstraZeneca have been a political one? There is a strong case to be made. For starters, AstraZeneca is a British vaccine. Relations across the channel have been frayed since Brexit. And two, Europe's vaccination drive was stumbling. AstraZeneca was the perfect distraction. "The EU's own regulators said there's no reason, no grounds to suspend taking the vaccine or the rollout and that is itself echoed by the World Health Organization. So this vaccine is safe. We respect the processes and the procedures that some other countries may need to go through, but the vaccine is safe and people should certainly continue to take it to protect themselves and their friends and family, " said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. So, is the fear over blood clots warranted? There have been 37 cases in 17 million recipients. Experts say it's hardly a trend. And beyond Europe, AstraZeneca remains much sought after. The US has placed an order for half a million doses. Australia says it will continue to use the jabs. And on Tuesday, the Thai prime minister took the shot himself just hours after France and Germany announced their suspension. In Europe, Serbia and Belgium plan to continue using AstraZeneca. Europe's inoculation drive is already losing steam. The bloc has given 11 shots per 100 people. Britain is administering more than thrice that. The sudden suspension could also reignite anti-vaccine sentiments. AstraZeneca was touted as the bulwark against the Wuhan virus. It is cheap and easy to store. Time is of the essence in vaccination drives. And now is not the time to abandon your most potent weapon.

Europe divided over AstraZeneca vaccine

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine.</a>

WHO has recommended countries to continue using AstraZeneca's vaccine 'at this time', till the experts conclude the ongoing assessment of reports that claimed blood clotting to be a side-effect of the vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-proposes-digital-green-certificates-and-stricter-curbs-on-vaccine-exports-371168" hreflang="en">EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports</a>

"The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the agency said in a statement. "At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue."

Experts at WHO have assured that the results of the review will be communicated as soon as the assessment of the reports is finished.

The statement has come after several countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca after a few cases of formation of blood clots were reported around the world.

However, the European Union's medicines regulator has stressed that, as of now, there is no evidence that points towards a link between the vaccine shot and formation of blood clots — termed as thromboembolic events.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-trials-on-children-in-us-and-canada-371034" hreflang="en">Moderna to begin coronavirus vaccine trials on children in US and Canada</a>

The WHO backed this by explaining that it is a routine procedure for experts and countries to flag any potential side-effects of a vaccine, but also stressed that "this does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place".

"Vaccination against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19</a> will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes," WHO assured. "Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, WHO experts have also recommended Johnson &amp; Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for use against the different variants of coronavirus.

"We have a vaccine that shows to be safe and it shows to have the necessary efficacy to be recommended by us for use in people above the age of 18, without an upper age limit," SAGE chair Alejandro Cravioto said. "In the countries where there is a high spread of the variants and in countries where we now have information about the use of this vaccine to control SARS-CoV-2 caused by these variants, we recommend that you use it."

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this vaccine.

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this vaccine. WHO has recommended countries to continue using AstraZeneca's vaccine 'at this time', till the experts conclude the ongoing assessment of reports that claimed blood clotting to be a side-effect of the vaccine. Also read | EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports "The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the agency said in a statement. "At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue." Experts at WHO have assured that the results of the review will be communicated as soon as the assessment of the reports is finished. The statement has come after several countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca after a few cases of formation of blood clots were reported around the world. However, the European Union's medicines regulator has stressed that, as of now, there is no evidence that points towards a link between the vaccine shot and formation of blood clots — termed as thromboembolic events. Also read | Moderna to begin coronavirus vaccine trials on children in US and Canada The WHO backed this by explaining that it is a routine procedure for experts and countries to flag any potential side-effects of a vaccine, but also stressed that "this does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place". "Vaccination against Covid-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes," WHO assured. "Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally." Meanwhile, WHO experts have also recommended Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for use against the different variants of coronavirus. "We have a vaccine that shows to be safe and it shows to have the necessary efficacy to be recommended by us for use in people above the age of 18, without an upper age limit," SAGE chair Alejandro Cravioto said. "In the countries where there is a high spread of the variants and in countries where we now have information about the use of this vaccine to control SARS-CoV-2 caused by these variants, we recommend that you use it."

WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&J for COVID variants

France, Germany and Italy have joined a growing list of nations that have suspended the use of AstraZeneca's COVID jabs. Are European powers politicising vaccines, or is there solid science behind the move? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: France, Germany suspend AstraZeneca jabs

Within a space of few days rollout of Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine has come to a halt in most major European Nations following unconfirmed concerns that the vaccines cab potentially cause blood clots.

AstraZeneca Update: Major EU Nations halt use of AstraZeneca shot

Sweden is the latest European country in the row to suspend the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The government of Venezuela has also denied the approval of the vaccine due to the piling reports of complications.

AstraZeneca Vaccine Update: Venezuela denies to authorize the jab

The European Medicines Agency held a news conference to discuss its investigation into incidents of bleeding, blood clots and low platelet counts in people who had been given AstraZeneca PLC’s Coronavirus vaccine.

European medicines agency hold briefing over AstraZeneca vaccine

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha became the first person to be inoculated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday after the rollout had been temporarily put on hold over safety concerns. 
 
Prayuth and other cabinet members had been initially due to get their vaccine shots on Friday, before Thailand suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports it could cause blood clots prompted a number of European countries to hit pause. 
 
Thailand`s health minister said on Monday the rollout would resume after many countries had said there were no blood clot issues with the vaccine.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha became the first person to be inoculated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday after the rollout had been temporarily put on hold over safety concerns.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha became the first person to be inoculated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday after the rollout had been temporarily put on hold over safety concerns. Prayuth and other cabinet members had been initially due to get their vaccine shots on Friday, before Thailand suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports it could cause blood clots prompted a number of European countries to hit pause. Thailand`s health minister said on Monday the rollout would resume after many countries had said there were no blood clot issues with the vaccine.

Thai PM gets first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine after safety scare

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine.

'We have one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world,' Johnson said. 'They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination program.'

The British leader on Tuesday echoed assurances that the jab was not harmful.

"That vaccine is safe and works extremely well," Johnson wrote in The Times newspaper. 
 
Gravitas | AstraZeneca Suspension: Facts vs Hype

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-astrazeneca-suspension-facts-vs-hype-370736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is being made in multiple places from India to the US, as well as Britain, and it is being used around the world," he added.

Fears have grown in some countries over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after several cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in people after receiving the inoculation, with a small number of deaths reported.

But AstraZeneca and medical experts in Britain have said there is no evidence of clots being caused by the jab or that they are occurring in greater numbers or frequency than in the general population.

The vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in Britain, where more than 11 million doses have been administered, without any major problems reported.

On Monday, Johnson told reporters that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is "one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world".

"They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination programme... for either of the vaccines that we're currently using," he said.

"They believe that they are highly effective in driving down not just hospitalisation but also serious disease and mortality.

"We continue to be very confident about the programme and it's great to see it being rolled out at such speed across the UK."

(With inputs from agencies)

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine.

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine. 'We have one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world,' Johnson said. 'They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination program.' The British leader on Tuesday echoed assurances that the jab was not harmful. "That vaccine is safe and works extremely well," Johnson wrote in The Times newspaper. Gravitas | AstraZeneca Suspension: Facts vs Hype "It is being made in multiple places from India to the US, as well as Britain, and it is being used around the world," he added. Fears have grown in some countries over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after several cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in people after receiving the inoculation, with a small number of deaths reported. But AstraZeneca and medical experts in Britain have said there is no evidence of clots being caused by the jab or that they are occurring in greater numbers or frequency than in the general population. The vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in Britain, where more than 11 million doses have been administered, without any major problems reported. On Monday, Johnson told reporters that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is "one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world". "They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination programme... for either of the vaccines that we're currently using," he said. "They believe that they are highly effective in driving down not just hospitalisation but also serious disease and mortality. "We continue to be very confident about the programme and it's great to see it being rolled out at such speed across the UK." (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca is safe and works extremely well: UK PM defends vaccine over blood clot fears

Does AstraZeneca cause blood clots in everybody or only in those with co-morbidities? How many types of blood clots are being reported? Are they all linked to vaccination? WION's Palki Sharma separates the facts from the hype.

Gravitas | AstraZeneca Suspension: Facts vs Hype

Does the Astrazenca vaccine cause blood clots? At least 16 countries have suspended the shot so far. But the European & British regulators say the vaccine is safe. Who is right? Where does India stand? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Does the AstraZeneca vaccine cause blood clots?

The World Health Organisation and the European drug regulator urge country not to panic as several of them have since halted the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

WHO: Countries should continue AstraZeneca rollout

Coronavirus Update: WHO says no link between blood clots & vaccine

AstraZeneca&nbsp;on Sunday claimed that its vaccine has shown no evidence of increased risks of blood clots. The company conducted a review of data among people who received the vaccine to ascertain its safety.

The review took into account&nbsp;17 million people in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and comes in the middle of many countries suspending use of its vaccines amid concerns of clotting issues.

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"A careful review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and UK with COVID-19 Vaccine&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or thrombocytopenia, in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country," the company said.

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been suspended in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and the Netherlands over clotting concerns.&nbsp;In addition, Austria had&nbsp;halted the use of a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/piedmont-region-in-italy-stops-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-batch-370445" hreflang="en">Piedmont region in Italy stops use of AstraZeneca vaccine batch</a>

According to the European Medicines Agency, there is no indication that the blood clotting events were caused by the vaccination. The World Health Organization has also reiterated the same position.

AstraZeneca announced that among millions, the company has recorded 15 events of deep vein thrombosis, and 22 events of pulmonary embolism, which is similar to the effects reported across all licenses COVID-19 vaccines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ireland-suspends-use-of-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-370416" hreflang="en">Ireland suspends use of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine</a>

The company added that it has undertaken additional testing&nbsp;which is currently underway. AstraZeneca will make its safety report available on the EMA website in the next week.

The vaccine has been greenlit across the European Union, but is yet to receive approval from US regulators.

AstraZeneca on Sunday claimed that its vaccine has shown no evidence of increased risks of blood clots. The company conducted a review of data among people who received the vaccine to ascertain its safety.

AstraZeneca on Sunday claimed that its vaccine has shown no evidence of increased risks of blood clots. The company conducted a review of data among people who received the vaccine to ascertain its safety. The review took into account 17 million people in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and comes in the middle of many countries suspending use of its vaccines amid concerns of clotting issues. "A careful review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and UK with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or thrombocytopenia, in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country," the company said. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been suspended in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and the Netherlands over clotting concerns. In addition, Austria had halted the use of a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines last week. Also read: Piedmont region in Italy stops use of AstraZeneca vaccine batch According to the European Medicines Agency, there is no indication that the blood clotting events were caused by the vaccination. The World Health Organization has also reiterated the same position. AstraZeneca announced that among millions, the company has recorded 15 events of deep vein thrombosis, and 22 events of pulmonary embolism, which is similar to the effects reported across all licenses COVID-19 vaccines. Also read: Ireland suspends use of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine The company added that it has undertaken additional testing which is currently underway. AstraZeneca will make its safety report available on the EMA website in the next week. The vaccine has been greenlit across the European Union, but is yet to receive approval from US regulators.

AstraZeneca finds no evidence of blood clotting risk as countries restrict use of its vaccine

European countries France and Italy&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine over safety fears on Monday.

Several EU countries have called a halt to the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine after reports from Denmark and Norway of possible serious side-effects, including bleeding and blood clots.

The WHO said its advisory panel was reviewing reports related to the shot and would release its findings as soon as possible. But it said it was unlikely to change its recommendations, issued last month, for widespread use, including in countries where the South African variant of the virus may reduce its efficacy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-suspends-astrazeneca-jabs-over-reported-clot-risks-health-ministry-370703" hreflang="en">Germany suspends AstraZeneca jabs over reported clot risks: Health Ministry</a>

"As of today, there is no evidence that the incidents are caused by the vaccine and it is important that vaccination campaigns continue so that we can save lives and stem severe disease from the virus," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.

AstraZeneca's shot was among the first and cheapest to be developed and launched at volume since the coronavirus was first identified in central China at the end of 2019 and is set to be the mainstay of vaccination programmes in much of the developing world. The virus has killed more than 2.7 million people.

Thailand became the first country outside Europe to delay rolling out the vaccine on Friday, when its political leaders were due to have the first shots, but the government said on Monday they would receive the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine on Tuesday.

Indonesia, however, said it would delay administering the shot due to the reports of blood clots among some recipients in Europe and would await a review from the WHO.

The WHO had already said there was no indication the events were caused by the vaccination, a view also expressed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which said the number of reported blood clots was no higher than seen in the general population.

The handful of reported side-effects in Europe have upset vaccination programmes already under pressure over slow rollouts and vaccine scepticism in some countries.

The Netherlands said on Monday it had seen 10 cases of possible noteworthy adverse side-effects from the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine, hours after the government put its vaccination programme on hold following reports of potential side-effects in other countries.

Denmark reported "highly unusual" symptoms in a 60-year-old citizen who died from a blood clot after receiving the vaccine, the same phrase used on Saturday by Norway about three people under the age of 50 it said were being treated in hospital.

"It was an unusual course of illness around the death that made the Danish Medicines Agency react," the agency said in a statement late on Sunday.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc said earlier it had conducted a review covering more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and the UK which had shown no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots.

European countries France and Italy suspended the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine over safety fears on Monday. Several EU countries have called a halt to the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports from Denmark and Norway of possible serious side-effects, including bleeding and blood clots.

European countries France and Italy suspended the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine over safety fears on Monday. Several EU countries have called a halt to the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports from Denmark and Norway of possible serious side-effects, including bleeding and blood clots. The WHO said its advisory panel was reviewing reports related to the shot and would release its findings as soon as possible. But it said it was unlikely to change its recommendations, issued last month, for widespread use, including in countries where the South African variant of the virus may reduce its efficacy. Also read: Germany suspends AstraZeneca jabs over reported clot risks: Health Ministry "As of today, there is no evidence that the incidents are caused by the vaccine and it is important that vaccination campaigns continue so that we can save lives and stem severe disease from the virus," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said. AstraZeneca's shot was among the first and cheapest to be developed and launched at volume since the coronavirus was first identified in central China at the end of 2019 and is set to be the mainstay of vaccination programmes in much of the developing world. The virus has killed more than 2.7 million people. Thailand became the first country outside Europe to delay rolling out the vaccine on Friday, when its political leaders were due to have the first shots, but the government said on Monday they would receive the AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday. Indonesia, however, said it would delay administering the shot due to the reports of blood clots among some recipients in Europe and would await a review from the WHO. The WHO had already said there was no indication the events were caused by the vaccination, a view also expressed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which said the number of reported blood clots was no higher than seen in the general population. The handful of reported side-effects in Europe have upset vaccination programmes already under pressure over slow rollouts and vaccine scepticism in some countries. The Netherlands said on Monday it had seen 10 cases of possible noteworthy adverse side-effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine, hours after the government put its vaccination programme on hold following reports of potential side-effects in other countries. Denmark reported "highly unusual" symptoms in a 60-year-old citizen who died from a blood clot after receiving the vaccine, the same phrase used on Saturday by Norway about three people under the age of 50 it said were being treated in hospital. "It was an unusual course of illness around the death that made the Danish Medicines Agency react," the agency said in a statement late on Sunday. AstraZeneca Plc said earlier it had conducted a review covering more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union and the UK which had shown no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots.

France, Italy suspend use of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

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