EMA "No Age Restriction Basis for AZ"... WHO, US, UK Confirm "Safe Vaccine"

Published 01 Apr.2021 09:30(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As Germany has suspended AstraZeneca vaccine administration for those under 60 years old, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated on the 31st (local time) that "no risk has been found for any specific age group so far" regarding AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. This means there is no basis for Germany's age restriction.

EMA announced that this conclusion was reached during the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) meeting held that day to review the very rare cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occurring after AstraZeneca vaccination.

In its statement, EMA said, "So far, no specific risk factors related to age, gender, or history of thrombosis have been identified," adding, "Although causality with the vaccine has not been proven, further analysis is ongoing, so it may emerge." This reiterates the existing position that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks of side effects.

EMA Executive Director Emer Cook pointed out at a press conference that "there is currently no evidence to support restrictions on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for specific age groups." She explained, "Within the European Economic Area (EEA), 9.2 million people have been vaccinated, and 62 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have occurred," adding, "This corresponds to a probability of 1 in 100,000 for those under 60 years old."

EMA plans to hold a safety committee meeting from the 6th to the 9th to reach a conclusion on this matter.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the United States, the United Kingdom, and other major countries have also supported EMA's position.

Kate O'Brien, WHO's head of Immunization and Vaccines, said at a press briefing regarding Germany's decision, "It is a safe vaccine." However, she added, "WHO supports each country's decisions," and "Each country must develop plans on how to use vaccines to fight COVID-19."

Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also evaluated the AstraZeneca vaccine as a "good vaccine" and predicted, "It will play a very important role in the pandemic situation."