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Can the AstraZeneca vaccine cause thrombosis? Or are blood clots of this type, which have been observed in several cases in the EU after vaccinations with the British-Swedish manufacturer’s serum, are they part of the normal course of the disease and therefore only occurred by chance? in the vicinity of vaccines?
All of Europe has been eagerly awaiting the response since several EU countries, including Germany and France, discontinued vaccines with the AstraZeneca vaccines pending a review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
On Thursday at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, the Amsterdam authorities gave the go-ahead: “This is a safe and effective vaccine.” With these words, the director of the EMA, Emer Cook, summarized the conclusions of the Security Committee (PRAC). “The benefits far outweigh the risks,” Cook emphasized. Further use is recommended.
More exams planned
However, there will be a warning of possible rare cases of blood clots (thrombosis) in the cerebral veins. In addition, more tests and studies are desired. Because a connection is not completely excluded. EMA researchers had followed up on all reported cases, around 30.
Following the declaration of no objection, it is now up to the national health authorities to decide how they want to proceed. The World Health Organization (WHO) had already advocated for the additional use of the vaccine on Wednesday.
AstraZeneca preparation plays an important role in vaccination campaigns in most EU countries. It is comparatively cheap and unlike Biontech / Pfizer serum it does not need to be frozen so it can be easily inoculated by general practitioners. “I trust AstraZeneca”, assured the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had announced that he would be vaccinated with the drug from the Swedish-British company to build confidence. This was affected not only by reports of thrombosis, but also because the company was unable to meet its delivery commitments to the EU. As it stands, AstraZeneca plans to deliver 70 million cans to the EU in the second quarter, less than agreed, but still a relevant quantity.
In the UK, more than 11 million cans of AstraZeneca have been used, including by the elderly. Three cerebral vein thromboses were recorded in connection with these vaccinations. So far, a total of around seven million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in the EU. In Austria, more than 220,000 people have received the serum.
Two suspected cases in Austria
Two suspected cases emerged in Austria. A 49-year-old man died after a severe bleeding disorder, a 35-year-old man had developed a pulmonary embolism. Austria then only suspended one batch of the vaccine, but did not impose a blanket vaccination ban on AstraZeneca.
Article of
Sylvia Wörgetter
