The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement today concerning the safety of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after a number of European countries temporarily suspended use due to blood clots reported in some patients.
WHO says in extensive vaccination campaigns, it is routine for countries to signal potential adverse events following immunization. This does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place.
WHO is in regular contact with the European Medicines Agency and regulators around the world for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety.
At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.
Sweden pauses use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine pending investigation
Spain suspends AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for the next two weeks
Norway reports blood clots in young people with the AstraZeneca vaccine
Philippines say no reason to stop rollout of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
