Will the AstraZeneca anti-Covid serum again be part of the French vaccine arsenal alongside the Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines? Several European countries had suspended it after the discovery of severe cases of blood clot formation. This decision was also taken by France on Monday March 15, pending the opinion of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
AstraZeneca: "its advantages (…) go well beyond its potential risks", according to EMA
This Thursday, March 18, the EMA spoke on the subject: it claims that the AstraZeneca vaccine is "safe and efficient". "This is a safe vaccine, its benefits in protecting those at risk of Covid-19 go far beyond its potential risks", said Emer Cooke, executive director of the European Medicines Agency.
What about the potential risk of thrombosis associated with this serum? "We cannot rule out a link between the formation of blood clots and the vaccine", said Emer Cooke, before specifying that its side effects would be monitored very closely.
However, the EMA did not give any information about a potential resumption of vaccination in Europe. Regarding France, Prime Minister Jean Castex and Minister of Health Olivier Véran could speak on the subject during their press conference scheduled for Thursday March 8 at 7 p.m.
WHO recommends continuation of vaccination
The opinion of the European Medicines Agency is in line with that of the Health Organization (WHO), which "Believes that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks and recommends further vaccination", can we read in a press release published on March 17.
"During large-scale vaccination campaigns, it is normal for countries to report any adverse events following vaccination. This does not necessarily mean that these manifestations are related to the vaccination itself, but it is recommended that they be investigated. It also shows that the surveillance system is working and that effective controls have been put in place ", had specified the organization.
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⋙ AstraZeneca suspended in France: European Medicines Agency says vaccine is "safe and effective"
⋙ Suspension of AstraZeneca: what to do if you have already received a first dose of the vaccine?
⋙ AstraZeneca vaccine: the powerful demonstration of Michel Cymes to put the potential risk of thrombosis into perspective