Dublin, Ireland:
Ireland’s vaccine taskforce on Monday advisable the AstraZeneca coronavirus jab be restricted to these aged more than 60, following European evaluations of proof linking the shot to uncommon blood clotting events.
Their choice follows these of quite a few other European nations that have halted use of the jab amongst younger men and women following the European regulator’s ruling earlier this month that it could be linked to the uncommon clots.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) stated the AstraZeneca vaccine “is not recommended for those aged under 60 years” right after the European Medicines Agency noted “unusual clotting events” as “very rare side effects”.
NIAC Chair Karina Butler noted that the shot, which was created in partnership with Britain’s Oxford University, was “highly effective and substantially reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 disease across all age groups”.
But the committee had opted to alter its guidance in light of the evaluations, she added.
“NIAC realises the need to balance the significant benefits of a national vaccination programme with the very rare risk of these reported events,” she stated in a statement.
“While this is an extremely rare condition, consideration must be given to the fact that it has a very high risk of death or severe outcome.
“As the threat/advantages of Vaxzevria COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine may possibly differ by age, and as option COVID-19 vaccines are readily available, NIAC has revised the suggestions for use of this vaccine,” she added.
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