The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all countries not to stop the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination program as several European Union (EU) countries have acted to delay the vaccination of the vaccine.
To date, there is no evidence of a link between the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clotting problems.
"To date, there is no evidence that the incident was caused by a vaccine and it is important that vaccination campaigns continue so that we can save lives and curb disease from the virus," said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier.
Germany, France, Italy and Spain joined several small countries in halting the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination program as a precaution while vaccine-related inspections were carried out.
WHO vaccine safety experts will hold a meeting today to discuss the vaccine.
"To date, there is no evidence that the incident was caused by a vaccine and it is important that vaccination campaigns continue so that we can save lives and curb disease from the virus," said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will meet on the same day and is expected to make a detailed summary this Thursday. EMA also said the vaccine should continue to be used.
There have been a number of cases of individuals in Europe experiencing blood clots after the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was injected.
About 17 million people in the EU and the United Kingdom (UK) have received doses of the vaccine and fewer than 40 cases of blood clots were reported last week.
In Germany, the country's health ministry yesterday announced that it would stop the Oxford-AstraZeneca injection immediately based on a recommendation from the authority that handles the vaccine, the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI).
“This decision was made following the latest case report of cerebral vein thrombosis linked to Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine injection.
"Following several new cases being reported, PEI today re -evaluated the situation and recommended a postponement of vaccination and further analysis be done," said Health Minister Jens Spahn.
Meanwhile, in France, President Emmanuel Macron issued a directive stopping the vaccination program until the latest health advice is issued by the EMA.
"We have a brief guide that is informed by the health and science authorities and does so as part of the European strategy," Macron said.
Meanwhile, Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias said the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine would be delayed for at least two weeks.
