"Low Effectiveness in Elderly"... AstraZeneca Vaccination Restrictions Across EU Countries

Germany, France, Austria Recommend Vaccination for Under 65... Switzerland Holds Approval

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Some European Union (EU) member countries, including Germany and France, have limited the recommended age for AstraZeneca vaccine administration, citing insufficient data on its effectiveness in the elderly.

According to AFP and other sources on the 4th (local time), Germany, France, Austria, and Sweden recommended the vaccine for those under 65 years old. Ireland's health authorities also stated that they currently have no plans to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 65 and over.

Finland recommended the vaccine for those under 70, Poland for those under 60, and Belgium for those under 55. Italy initially recommended prioritizing use for those under 55 but recently revised its stance, stating that even those over 55 who are healthy can receive the vaccine.

Among non-EU countries, Norway announced that it will not administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 65 and over. Switzerland has withheld approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine, citing insufficient submitted data.

On the other hand, the United Kingdom argues that the vaccine is effective across all age groups, countering Europe's claims of ineffectiveness in the elderly. Professor Andrew Pollard of Oxford University, who led the AstraZeneca vaccine clinical trials, appeared on BBC Radio the previous day and asserted that their vaccine elicits an excellent immune response even in the elderly.

Matt Hancock, the UK Secretary of State for Health, also said the previous day, "We must listen to the scientists, and the science is very clear," adding, "According to the Oxford University paper, the AstraZeneca vaccine not only works but works very well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.