Several Countries Suspend Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
More than a dozen countries worldwide have suspended the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine distribution amid reports of exceedingly rare, yet potentially dangerous, blood clots or low platelet counts developed by a small percentage of vaccine recipients. These countries – primarily in Europe – reacted as an extreme precaution and may hamper long-term COVID-19 containment efforts in the process. When placed in context, the reported cases of these rare bleeding disorders are no greater than would be seen in the general population. Currently, there is no definitive link between the vaccine and the reported cases.
The WHO released a statement March 17 indicating the benefits of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine currently outweigh the risks: the risk of severe COVID-19 infection is more likely to occur than developing a rare blood clot or bleeding disorder from vaccination. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed the latest safety data for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine; the expert panel reported their findings on March 18, confirming the vaccine is not associated with increased risk of the reported bleeding disorders. Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands will resume distribution of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a result. Others may soon follow course.
Actions by Governments
As of March 19, the following countries have chosen to halt Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine use: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Venezuela, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Thailand. At least three countries – Austria, Estonia, and Lithuania – have stopped distributing only a specific batch of the vaccine: some cases of bleeding disorders and at least one death were reported in individuals who received vaccines from that batch. According to the EMA, the batch consisted of 1 million doses distributed among 17 countries.
Other countries have chosen to continue distributing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of the potential side effects. In the US, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine remains in Phase III clinical trials and has not been distributed to the wider public.
What the Vaccine Suspension Means
Individuals who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should not be alarmed; it is crucial to remember that the reported side effects are very rare. However, out of an abundance of caution, be mindful of potential symptoms such as unexplained bruising or easy bleeding, severe headaches, sudden or worsening chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Looking Ahead
Despite the EMA’s expert panel findings published March 18, additional countries may still choose to suspend Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine distribution out of extreme caution. However, doing so will slow down COVID-19 containment efforts, which will prove a significant hindrance as the European region enters its third wave of COVID-19 activity. Governments may choose to purchase doses of different vaccines already on the market (Pfizer, Moderna, and others) which would likely place an additional financial strain on these countries and their healthcare infrastructures. In many cases, these infrastructures are already significantly challenged by the pandemic.
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