Germany has advised against using AstraZeneca’s jab in younger people over clotting fears.
The EMA has said it has not identified any specific risk factors – including age or previous medical history – in the “very rare cases” of unusual blood clots in people vaccinated with AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 jab.
Earlier this month, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in Ireland recommended that the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine be temporarily deferred.
This recommendation was made after some European countries reported blood clots in a small number of people inoculated with AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
Use of the AstraZeneca jab was later resumed in Ireland after an EMA investigation concluded it was safe, though the drug regulator said they would conduct further analysis.
Germany on Tuesday, meanwhile, advised against using the AstraZeneca jab in younger people over clotting fears.
The EMA issued a statement on Wednesday where it said its review into a possible link between the vaccine and clotting has not identified any specific risk factors, such as age, gender, or a previous medical history of clotting disorders.
It read: “A causal link with the vaccine is not proven but is possible and further analysis is continuing.”
The EMA reiterated its view that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing Covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risks of side effects.
However, it said vaccinated people “should be aware of the remote possibility of these very rare types of blood clots occurring”.
If you have received the jab and have symptoms suggestive of clotting problems, you are advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of your recent vaccination.
The EMA says it continues to work with the national authorities in the EU member states to make sure suspected cases of unusual blood clots are reported.
The drug regulator is expected to issue an updated recommendation sometime between 6 and 9 April.
More than 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine have been used in Ireland so far.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
