AstraZeneca jab will be temporarily paused in Ireland after some reports of blood clots in vaccinated people, health authorities say.
A statement from Ireland’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, said: “Following new information received from the Norwegian Medicines Agency on Saturday evening 13th March and following discussions with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca be temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14th March.
“This recommendation has been made following a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca.
“It has not been concluded that there is any link between the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and these cases.
“However, acting on the precautionary principal, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland.
“The NIAC is due to meet again this morning. A further statement will follow thereafter.”
