The use of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer viable in the Netherlands. This is as a result of concerns about possible side effects.
This move therefore will last until 29th March as a precautionary measure. Netherlands follows the Republic of Ireland which made a similar decision.
“We can’t allow any doubts about the vaccine. We have to make sure everything is right, so it is wise to pause for now.” Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said. “
The cases in Ireland, reveal reports of blood clots in adults who received the jab. Although the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is reviewing the incidents, it says the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks.
Other countries that have suspended the vaccine include; Denmark, Norway ,Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand.
In its defense, AstraZena says there lacks evidence of of an increased risk of clotting due to the vaccine.
The halt comes at a time when, authorities in the Netherlands have pre-ordered 12 million doses of AstraZeneca. 300,000 jabs were scheduled to be administered in the next two weeks.
Reports across the EU and United Kingdom, reveal malfunctions among those receiving the vaccine. Among them, 15 events of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Moreover, 22 cases of pulmonary embolism are also in the records.