Resumption of AZ Vaccine Inoculation in Over 10 European Countries (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] More than 10 European countries have decided to resume AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine inoculations. After the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed cases of blood clot formation and concluded that the vaccine is "safe and effective," more than half of the over 20 European Union (EU) countries that had suspended vaccinations changed their stance.

On the 18th (local time), according to major foreign media, 11 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, and Cyprus decided to restart AZ vaccine inoculations. This followed EMA Chief Executive Emer Cook’s statement at a press conference that day, saying, "The AZ vaccine is safe and effective," and concluding that it is "not associated with an overall increased risk of blood clots." However, EMA noted that additional analysis is needed as a link between very rare specific types of blood clots and the AZ vaccine cannot be ruled out.

Accordingly, EU member states will decide on whether and when to resume vaccinations at their own discretion. Germany, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovenia will resume vaccinations starting the next day, the 19th, while Portugal and Spain will resume on the 22nd and 24th, respectively.

Major European countries announced their positions immediately that day. German Health Minister Jens Spahn said at a press conference, "After consultations with the federal government, 16 states, and the vaccine approval authority Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), we have decided to resume AZ vaccine inoculations." Minister Spahn evaluated the EMA decision as "proof of the safety and quality of the AZ vaccine" and called it "good news."

France, which had announced continuation of AZ vaccinations but temporarily halted them as a precaution, also decided to restart. According to local media such as the daily Le Figaro, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Jean Castex plan to publicly receive the AZ vaccine to alleviate concerns about it.

Italy’s Medicines Agency (AIFA) held an emergency meeting after the EMA announcement and issued a statement saying, "There is no longer any reason to maintain the precautionary suspension of AZ vaccine inoculations." Spain’s Ministry of Health also unanimously decided to resume AZ vaccinations during a meeting with health authorities of each autonomous community that day.

However, Norway and Sweden maintained their suspension policies. Norway’s Institute of Public Health said, "It is too early to draw final conclusions regarding vaccinations at this time," and added, "We will announce our own guidelines around next weekend." Anders Tegnell, Sweden’s chief epidemiologist, also said, "We will postpone AZ vaccine inoculations for the time being," and "We will review the EMA investigation and decide on the best way to use this vaccine by next week."

Following reports of blood clots after AZ vaccine inoculations, about 20 of the 27 EU member countries suspended the use of all or part of their AZ vaccine supplies. Starting with Denmark, Iceland, Bulgaria, Ireland, and the Netherlands temporarily suspended inoculations of their entire stock. Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Luxembourg suspended use of specific batches linked to deaths in Austria, while Romania suspended specific batches linked to deaths in Italy.

EMA Chief Cook said, "There is no evidence of problems related to specific manufacturing batches or manufacturing sites of the AZ vaccine," and added, "We need to use these safe and effective vaccines." She also said, "If it were me, I would get the AZ vaccine tomorrow."

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