WHO recommends continuing use of AstraZeneca vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that it still recommends using the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 as the benefits outweigh its risks, Xinhua reports.

"Vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes. Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally," WHO said in a statement.

The statement came after a growing number of countries in the European Union suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure, based on reports of blood clots in persons who had received the vaccine.

"It is routine for countries to signal potential adverse events following immunization. This does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place," the statement added.

News.Az

You Might Also Like