World

No reason to stop using AstraZeneca jab: WHO

March 13, 2021 5:25 am

Countries should not stop using AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine over fears it causes blood clots as there is no indication this is true.

This was confirmed by the World Health Organization.

Bulgaria, Denmark and Norway are among the countries that have paused its use.

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But on Friday a WHO spokeswoman said there was no link between the jab and an increased risk of developing a clot.

Margaret Harris said it was an “excellent vaccine” and should continue to be used.

Around 5 million Europeans have already received the AstraZeneca jab.

There have been about 30 cases in Europe of “thromboembolic events” – or developing blood clots – after the vaccine was administered. There were also reports that a 50-year-old man had died in Italy after developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The WHO is investigating the reports, as it does any safety questions, Ms Harris said.

But no causal relationship had been established between the shot and the health problems reported, she said.