The European Medicines Agency, EMA, has stated that the benefits of the AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine in combating the still widespread threat of COVID-19 continue to outweigh the risk of side effects.
The EMA also added the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots.
The EMA disclosed this in a statement after concluded its preliminary review of a signal of blood clots in people vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca on Thursday.
What EMA is saying:
- The benefits of the vaccine in combating the still widespread threat of COVID-19 (which itself results in clotting problems and may be fatal) continue to outweigh the risk of side effects.
- The vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots (thromboembolic events) in those who receive it.
- There is no evidence of a problem related to specific batches of the vaccine or to particular manufacturing sites
The EMA added that the vaccine may be associated with very rare cases of blood clots associated with thrombocytopenia, i.e. low levels of blood platelets.
“The Committee was of the opinion that the vaccine’s proven efficacy in preventing hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 outweighs the extremely small likelihood of developing DIC or CVST. However, in the light of its findings, patients should be aware of the remote possibility of such syndromes, and if symptoms suggestive of clotting problems occur patients should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of their recent vaccination,” the agency added.
What you should know
- Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency disclosed that it has not received any official report of serious adverse effects from any of those who have been vaccinated.
- Ireland has suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over fears of alleged post-jab blood.
- Germany, France and Italy announced on Monday they would suspend AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine disbursement after multiple countries reported possible serious side-effects. However, the WHO said there was no proven link and people should not panic.
- The Africa Centre for Disease Control said it is reviewing the usage of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports emerged of European countries placing a pause on its usage due to reports of blood clots.