Sweden halts use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine

ANKARA

Sweden on Tuesday temporarily suspended the use of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

This came as several European countries suspended its use after blood clots were reported in some vaccinated people.

According to a statement from the Public Health Agency, no cases of blood clots were reported in Sweden after receiving the jab, but the decision is precautionary.

State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said that the country will wait until European Medicines Agency (EMA) makes an investigation on possible blood clots caused by the vaccine.

“It is a top priority that the vaccines used have a high safety profile, which is the reason why the Medical Products Agency and EMA are now investigating the suspected cases,” the statement said.

“The Swedish Public Health Agency cooperates with the Medical Products Agency in the matter and follows ongoing results from the investigation,” it added.

Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are among the countries that have suspended the AstraZeneca jab.