"Blood Clot Occurrence" AZ Vaccine Suspension in 10 European Countries

On the 25th, one day before the COVID-19 vaccination, medical staff at Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are inspecting the AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Ten European countries have temporarily suspended the use of the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was made as a precautionary measure following reports of blood clots forming after vaccination.

On the 11th (local time), according to BBC and AFP, health authorities in Denmark, Norway, Italy, and Iceland temporarily halted COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Danish authorities announced that "a 60-year-old woman who received the vaccine from the same batch used in Austria developed blood clots and subsequently died," and stated that AstraZeneca vaccinations would be suspended for the next two weeks.

Earlier, on the 7th, Austrian authorities reported that a 49-year-old woman who received the AstraZeneca vaccine died from a severe coagulation disorder, and that the remaining doses from that batch would no longer be distributed or administered.

Denmark and Austria explained that, for now, they cannot conclude a causal relationship between the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots, but have taken these measures as a precaution.

Norway and Iceland also announced that they would suspend the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine until additional information is obtained.

Starting with Austria, ten countries in Europe have consecutively suspended AstraZeneca vaccinations as of today. Austria suspended the use of the vaccine batch labeled 'ABV5300,' which was supplied to 17 European countries. Italy decided to suspend the use of AstraZeneca vaccines with the serial number 'ABV2856' on the same day.

Following Austria's announcement, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland have suspended the use of ABV5300. After Italy's announcement, Romania suspended the use of ABV2856.

However, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) emphasized in a statement today that there is no indication that AstraZeneca vaccinations cause blood clots. The EMA stated, "The benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks," and added, "The EMA Safety Committee's position is that vaccinations can continue while investigations into blood clot cases are ongoing."

The United Kingdom, Sweden, France, and Spain have announced that they will continue administering the AstraZeneca vaccine. AstraZeneca stated regarding the current situation, "Patient safety is our top priority," and added, "Health authorities in each country have applied strict standards during the drug approval process. Our vaccine is no exception."

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