AstraZeneca Use Put on Hold, Where and Why?

Many countries have temporarily suspended their use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine after reports that some people developed blood clots, although there is no proof that the shot was responsible. Here's a look at what we know and what we don't, presented by FRANCE 24 and AP.

What are the concerns? Denmark was the first country to halt its use of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine last week after reports of blood clots in some people, including one person who developed multiple clots and died 10 days after receiving at least one dose. Danish health authorities said the suspension would last for at least two weeks while the cases were being investigated while also noting that, "at present, it cannot be concluded whether there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots".

Norway, Iceland, Bulgaria, Thailand, and Congo soon followed suit. On Saturday, Norwegian authorities reported that four people under the age of 50 who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine had an unusually low number of blood platelets, which could lead to severe bleeding. Shortly afterward, Ireland and the Netherlands announced that they were also temporarily halting their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Most national health authorities underscored that the suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine was strictly precautionary. "We must always err on the side of caution, which is why it is sensible to press the pause button now as a precaution," said Hugo de Jonge, the Dutch health minister.

Norwegian doctors announced Monday that one of the people hospitalised after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine had died. German officials said they would suspend its use after new reports of problems and based on the advice from its medicines regulator.

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