The European Medical Agency (EMA) has released the findings of its report examining cases of blood clotting, and determined that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not associated with higher risk of blood clots.
Following a thorough and scientific investigation, the EMA reaffirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective.
It also says countries across Europe including Germany, France and Spain are resuming administering the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The World Health Organization also reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine, along with the UK medical regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The UK also reports it has not observed increased rates of blood clotting, and the UK has administered the highest number of AstraZeneca vaccines globally by a significant margin, to more than one-third of its population.
According to the Executive Director/CEO National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, EMA’s findings and the restart of AstraZeneca use in Europe is very good news which Nigeria hopes will entirely reassure all Nigerians who have been concerned in recent days as we followed the developments in European countries.
France’s Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced he will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine today, Friday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced he will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine today, Friday.
The Head of the EMA, Emer Cooke, has personally and publicly confirmed that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective.
Dr. Faisal reaffirmed that the health and safety of Nigerian citizens is the priority, adding, “Administering safe and effective vaccines is a vital component in solving the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He further noted that “Regulators and vaccine safety experts have a duty to investigate if an adverse effect is detected in order to determine whether it is caused by the vaccine.”
The Executive Director thanked the European Medical Agency for conducting their work effectively and transparently.
