A senior official from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has acknowledged a 'clear' link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare form of blood clotting. Marco Cavaleri, head of EMA vaccines, stated to an Italian daily that while the connection is evident, the underlying cause of this reaction remains unknown. This announcement follows increasing scrutiny and restrictions placed on the vaccine's use across Europe.
The EMA's safety committee convened to discuss the matter and is expected to issue an updated recommendation regarding the vaccine's scope. Several countries, including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, have already restricted the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to older age groups as investigations continue.
In the UK, the MHRA is also considering similar restrictions. Dr. June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA, clarified that no final decision has been made and urged the public to continue with vaccinations. Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London noted the emerging evidence raises questions about the vaccine's suitability for younger individuals, highlighting a potential age-related risk.
Ferguson stated, "There is increasing evidence that there is a rare risk associated specifically with the AstraZeneca vaccine, but may be associated at a lower level with other vaccines, of these unusual low-number blood clots platelets. It appears that the risk is related to age, it may be possible - but the data is weaker on this - in relation to gender."
