Germany Suspends AstraZeneca Vaccinations for Those Under 60

Suspected Blood Clots Increasing Among Young Adults
Canada Also Halts Vaccinations for Those Under 55

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Germany has decided to temporarily suspend AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations for those under 60 years old. This decision follows several suspected cases of blood clots, mainly among younger people, leading some regions to halt usage independently.

Jens Spahn, Germany's Federal Minister of Health, stated in a press release after an emergency meeting with health ministers from 16 states on the 30th (local time), "This is to weigh the statistically small but serious risk of side effects against the risk of contracting COVID-19," explaining the decision.

In Germany, 31 suspected cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a type of blood clot, have been reported following AstraZeneca vaccinations. Most were women aged 20 to 63, with nine fatalities.

Going forward, those under 60 can only be vaccinated after thorough individual risk assessment by a physician. This leaves room for vaccination only in exceptional cases. Additional recommendations for those who have already received their first dose will be issued next month.

This measure follows the recommendation of Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). The committee explained that "based on cases of very rare but severe side effects, vaccination is recommended only for those aged 60 and above," adding that "side effects mainly occurred in those under 60 between 4 to 16 days after vaccination."

Prior to the Health Ministry's statement, Berlin, Munich, and Brandenburg had already temporarily suspended AstraZeneca vaccinations for those under 60.

Canada also temporarily suspended AstraZeneca vaccinations for those 55 and under the previous day. This move aims to investigate the possible link between the vaccine and suspected blood clot cases among young women in Europe.

Shelly Dicks, Vice Chair of Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), said, "The risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine is 1 in 100,000, not 1 in 1,000,000 as previously known," adding, "Given the potential risk, there is considerable uncertainty about vaccinating adults under 55."

Meanwhile, Pfizer announced it will supply an additional 500 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Financial Times, Pfizer stated in its annual revenue report that "additional production became possible through process optimization and expansion of production and supply networks."

Pfizer's original production plan for this year was 1.5 billion doses. However, after improvements in facilities and processes in January added 500 million doses, this latest increase adds another 500 million doses, bringing the total supply for this year to 2.5 billion doses?exceeding the original plan by 66%.

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