Germany Suspends AstraZeneca Vaccination for Those Under 60 (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Germany has decided to temporarily suspend the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to those under 60 years old. This decision comes after a series of suspected blood clot cases primarily among younger individuals.

On the 30th (local time), German Chancellor Angela Merkel held an emergency video conference with the premiers of 16 states and announced at a press conference, "Following the recommendation of the Vaccination Commission, the AstraZeneca vaccine will only be administered to those over 60 years old."

For those under 60, vaccination can only proceed after a thorough individual risk assessment by a physician. This leaves room for exceptions in special cases. Additional recommendations for those who have already received the first dose will be issued next month.

Chancellor Merkel explained, "The Vaccination Commission's recommendation is based on the discovery of very rare but simultaneously very serious cases of thrombosis in individuals who received the AstraZeneca vaccine over the past few weeks," adding, "These cases cannot be ignored."

When asked whether she would receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, she said, "If it is my turn, I will get vaccinated," and added, "It is true that my likelihood of receiving the vaccine has increased."

Regarding whether there would be any changes to the plan to vaccinate everyone by the end of summer, she responded, "We will complete vaccination for the entire population by the end of summer."

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

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

Prior to the German Health Ministry's statement on the same day, the capital Berlin, Munich, and Brandenburg states temporarily suspended AstraZeneca vaccinations for those under 60.

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