France suspends use of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine

AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, which is being produced by Serum Institute of India, is part of the Covid-19 vaccination drive in India. Credit: AFP Photo

French President Emmanuel Macron says that France is suspending the use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine use out of precaution.

Macron told a news conference Monday that French authorities have decided to suspend shots at least until Tuesday afternoon, when the European Medicines Agency will issue its recommendation over the vaccine. He didn't elaborate on the reasons for the decision.

He said France hopes to be able to vaccine again with AstraZeneca shots “soon”.

Also read — Germany halts AstraZeneca jabs over reported clot risks

Other countries, including Germany on Monday, said it would temporarily halt the use of the vaccine as a precaution amid reports that some people developed blood clots after receiving the shot.

AstraZeneca and global health authorities insist the shot is safe.

Also read — AstraZeneca reassures safety of Covid-19 vaccine; says no evidence of increased risks