Ireland's Deputy CMO calls for suspension of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine over blood clotting fears
Other European countries have already halted use of the jab
The Republic of Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has recommended suspending use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-vaccine over blood clotting fears.
It follows reports of four serious blood clotting events in adults in Norway.
Other European countries, including Denmark and Iceland, have already paused roll-out of the jab, while others including Italy and Austria have limited their suspension to a specific batch of the vaccine.
In a statement this morning Dr Ronan Glynn said it has not been concluded there is any link between the vaccine and these cases however as a precaution the vaccine's roll-out should be paused in Ireland.
He said, “Following new information received from the Norwegian Medicines Agency on Saturday evening 13 March and following discussions with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca be temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14 March.”
"This recommendation has been made following a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination with Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. It has not been concluded that there is any link between the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® and these cases. However, acting on the precautionary principal, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland.”
"The NIAC is due to meet again this morning. A further statement will follow thereafter."
On Friday a World Health Organisation spokeswoman said there was no link between the jab and an increased risk of developing a clot.
Meanwhile the drug firm has previously said analysis of its data shows no evidence of an increased risk following the jab.