PAHO recommended continuing use of AstraZeneca vaccines despite fears of possible side effects

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Wednesday recommended to continue to apply AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, under examination for a possible association with rare cases of blood clots and permanently suspended in Denmark for “rare” but “serious” side effects.

The Director of PAHO, Carissa Etienne told a press conference that the body, which is a regional agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), is attentive to surveillance processes.

“Regulatory agencies study rare cases of blood clots in people with low platelet counts revealed by strong vaccine surveillance systems, and we expect additional recommendations soon, ”he noted.

“During, it is important to keep giving AstraZeneca vaccines wherever they are available, ”he said.

“Almost 200 million people worldwide have received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and reports of adverse reactions are very rare “he added.

Denmark has decided to permanently exclude the AstraZeneca vaccine due to its rare but “serious” side effects, the health authorities announced on Wednesday.

But most of the European countries which had suspended the use of this vaccine have resumed its use, although setting an age limit. Norway will announce its decision on Thursday.

WHO immunization experts said last week that a causal link between this vaccine and the appearance of clots was considered “plausible but not confirmed”, and they added that the reported cases were “very rare”.

The benefit / risk ratio remains “very favorable to the vaccine”, Then a WHO spokesperson told AFP.

Experts have indicated that they will continue to review new data and issue new recommendations “as needed”.

Immunization of AstraZeneca viral vectors is currently a A crucial part of the Covax portfolio, the WHO-led mechanism to acquire anti-covid vaccines and ensure their equitable access around the world.

Etienne said that since March, PAHO’s Revolving Fund has helped distribute more than three million doses on behalf of Covax in 28 countries in the Americas.

South Africa also quit AstraZeneca in February, but for other reasons since its effectiveness is questioned vis-a-vis the variant which prevails in the country.

The United States, like Switzerland, has not yet authorized it and Venezuela has refused to do so, citing its side effects.

With information from AFP

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