Former UK Prime Minister Who Had COVID-19 Also Received AZ Vaccine Injection

European Leaders Successively Attempt to Prove AZ Vaccine Safety

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] European heads of state are alleviating public doubts by receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

According to BBC on the 19th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson received the AZ vaccine at St. Thomas' Hospital in London that day. Johnson said, "I didn't feel anything. It was very good. Very quick." Johnson had contracted COVID-19 last year but still got vaccinated.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex also received the first dose of the AZ vaccine that day.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced their plans to receive the AZ vaccine. Merkel stated, "I prefer to wait until my turn comes, but I will get vaccinated no matter what."

The proactive attitude of major European leaders toward receiving the AZ vaccine is analyzed to be intended to dispel their citizens' concerns about the vaccine's safety.

The EMA announced yesterday, after a safety evaluation, that the AZ vaccine is "safe and effective," emphasizing that "the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks."

Following EMA's recommendation, some European countries including Italy, Germany, and France resumed AZ vaccine vaccinations starting today.

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