After Exploring Blood Clot Data, European Medicines Agency Says Astrazeneca COVID Vaccine is Safe
Posted on 03/18/2021
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is an agency of the European Union in charge of the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products. Prior to 2004, it was known as the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products or European Medicines Evaluation Agency.
Pros and Cons
There have been 13 cases of cerebral vein thrombosis in Germany following administration of COVID AstraZeneca shot, including three deaths, citing the German health ministry. They affected 12 women and one man between the ages of 20 and 63 years.
The European Medicines Agency said the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine is safe, after several EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, suspended its use. The suspension was due to reports of blood clots, some that were fatal, in a small number of people who received it. The committee found no evidence of a quality or batch issue.
“This vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, and its benefits continue to be far greater than its risks,” said Dr. Sabine Straus, chair of the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC).
The EMA said last week they would investigate, and in the mean time vaccinations should continue because potential risk is outweighed by urgency of pandemic.
During the press conference, the EMA still cannot rule out a link between the vaccines and the blood clots. They advise national authorities to raise awareness of the possible side effects and to monitor them closely.
Italy, France, and Germany now plan to restart administration of the COVID AstraZeneca shot on Friday.
THIRD WAVE: France
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and other regions of the country starting Friday. This is because there is an increased number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units that have spiked. Schools and essential shops, including bookstores, will remain open. The new restrictions will take effect from Friday midnight and will last four weeks. The restrictions will be imposed on 16 regions, including the Paris area.
Earlier, Poland announced it was introducing nationwide restrictions as the daily tally of new coronavirus cases reached the highest level in 2021. Poland has been implementing regional lockdowns.