Ireland recommends temporary postponement of Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Ireland’s National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommended the temporary deferral of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday following new information received from the Norwegian Medicines Agency, the country’s health ministry has said.

Three health workers in Norway who had recently received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are being treated in hospital for bleeding, blood clots and a low count of blood platelets, its health authorities said.

AstraZeneca vaccinations make up almost 20% of the 570,000 shots administered in Ireland, mainly to healthcare workers after its use was not initially recommended for those over 70. The advisory committee said it acted as a precaution, pending the receipt of more information.