Denmark, Norway and Iceland suspend AstraZeneca COVID shots after blood clot reports

[webfact]

Denmark, Norway and Iceland suspend AstraZeneca COVID shots after blood clot reports

FILE PHOTO: Staff member handles AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in storage at Region Hovedstaden's Vaccine Center, Copenhagen, Denmark February 11, 2021. Ritzau Scanpix/Liselotte Sabroe via REUTERS

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Health authorities in Denmark, Norway and Iceland on Thursday suspended the use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine following reports of the formation of blood clots in some people who had been vaccinated.

Austria earlier stopped using a batch of AstraZeneca shots while investigating a death from coagulation disorders and an illness from a pulmonary embolism.

Still, the European medicine regulator EMA said the vaccine's benefits outweighed its risks and could continue to be administered.

Europe is struggling to speed up a vaccine rollout after delivery delays from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, even as a spike in cases amid a more contagious virus variant has triggered fresh lockdowns in countries like Italy and France.

Denmark suspended the shots for two weeks after a 60-year-old woman, who was given an AstraZeneca shot from the same batch used in Austria, formed a blood clot and died, Danish health authorities said.

Their response was also prompted by reports "of possible serious side effects" from other European countries.

Danish health officials suspended the use of the vaccine produced by Anglo-Swedish firm AstraZeneca after several cases of blood clots, including one death, prompting suspensions in two other European countries. This report produced by Chris Dignam.

"It is currently not possible to conclude whether there is a link. We are acting early, it needs to be thoroughly investigated," Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said on Twitter.

The vaccine would be suspended for 14 days in Denmark.

"This is a cautionary decision," Geir Bukholm, director of infection prevention and control at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), told a news conference.

FHI did not say how long the suspension would last.

"We ... await information to see if there is a link between the vaccination and this case with a blood clot," Bukholm said.

Iceland on Thursday suspended jabs with the vaccine as it awaited the results of an investigation by the EMA. Italy, also on Thursday, said it would suspend use of an AstraZeneca batch different to the one used in Austria.

Some health experts said there was little evidence to suggest the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be administered and that the cases of blood clots corresponded with the rate of such cases in the general population.

"The problem with spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions to a vaccine are the enormous difficulty of distinguishing a causal effect from a coincidence," Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told Reuters.

Evans added that the COVID-19 disease was very strongly associated with blood clotting.

Phil Bryan, head of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said reports of blood clots so far didn't exceed what would have occurred naturally in the vaccinated population.

"Available evidence does not confirm that the vaccine is the cause," he said.

More than 11 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine have so far been administered across the UK.

In a statement, AstraZeneca said it had found no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in safety data of more than 10 million records, even when considering subgroups based on age, gender, production batch or country of use.

"In fact, the observed number of these types of events are significantly lower in those vaccinated than what would be expected among the general population," it added.

The drugmaker said this week there had been "no confirmed serious adverse events associated with the vaccine". It said it was in contact with Austrian authorities and would fully support their investigation.

The European Union's drug regulator, the EMA, said on Wednesday there was no evidence so far linking AstraZeneca to the two cases in Austria.

It said the number of thromboembolic events - marked by the formation of blood clots - in people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine was no higher than that seen in the general population, with 22 cases reported among the 3 million people who have received the shot as of March 9.

EMA said it understood the decision by Denmark and Norway was taken as a precaution.

Four other countries - Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Latvia - have stopped inoculations from the batch while investigations continue, the EMA said.

The batch of 1 million doses went to 17 EU countries.

Swedish authorities said they did not find sufficient evidence to stop vaccination with AstraZeneca's jab.

"There is nothing to indicate that the vaccine causes this type of blood clots," Veronica Arthurson, head of drug safety at the Swedish Medical Products Agency, told a news conference.

The Danish Medicines Agency said it had launched an investigation into the vaccine together with corresponding agencies in other EU countries and the EMA.

So far, 138,148 Danes have received a shot with AstraZeneca's vaccine in a country of 5.8 million. The Nordic country, which also uses vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, is set to receive 2.6 million doses from AstraZeneca over the coming months.

Denmark's Health Authority said the final date for when it expects all Danes to have been fully vaccinated would be pushed back by four weeks to Aug. 15.

Spain on Thursday said it had not registered any cases of blood clots related to AstraZeneca's vaccine so far and would continue administering the shots.

(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen, and Victoria Klesty in Oslo; Additional reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Johan Ahlander in Stockholm, Crispian Balmer in Rome and Kate Kelland in London. Editing by Alex Richardson, Nick Macfie and Bernadette Baum)

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-03-12

 

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[RichardColeman]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

in people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine was no higher than that seen in the general population, with 22 cases reported among the 3 million people who have received the shot as of March 9.

Norway reports deaths from covid at 117 per million and blood clots from above data is 7 per million. Think I know which one I would risk.

[lkv]

Prayuth was scheduled later on today for a jab of this, he'd better take some Aspirin before. ????

[onebir]

14 minutes ago, lkv said:

Prayuth was scheduled later on today for a jab of this, he'd better take some Aspirin before. ????

Warfarin?

[irishman25]

21 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Norway reports deaths from covid at 117 per million and blood clots from above data is 7 per million. Think I know which one I would risk.

In America the yearly Flu vaccine giving out each year has a worse rate of deaths and worse side effect;s and no-one ask any questions it has the OK from CDC and FDA its only 60% effected ? same in England

[sammieuk1]

Fear not brave generals will sacrifice themselves today for the good of the nation and top Dr Yong if it all goes tits ????

[ukrules]

If the EU no longer require the Oxford/AZ vaccine then I'm sure they will not mind the UK using all available allocations to speed up the already quite advanced vaccination roll out.

 

 

[KhaoYai]

1 hour ago, LazySlipper said:

These vaccines mass produced in less than a year and tested for shorter periods than this give me the heebee jeebees. I am in no hurry to get them and when I see reports like these I am sure more are to come. How will these vaccines affect our DNA long term? No one can tell. The better safe now than sorry will have its repercussions some how, some day...

and these vaccines are like Russian roulette. You choose the wrong one... All these science fiction movies about mutants have a glimmer of reality and we are volunteering and crying for the big pharmas' help... the very big pharmas who have kept medicine against HIV unaffordable for years. I worry... and all this makes me think of the "Georgia Guidestones"

1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
2. Guide reproduction wisely — improving fitness and diversity.
3. Unite humanity with a living new language.

You're worrying without reason and in doing so may put others off.  By pure coincidence (honestly) this subject was being discussed on BBC news in the UK as I was reading your post.  I'll rewind it and quote what was said so that your comments can be put into perspective.

Presenter Clive Myrie talking to the BBC's Medical Editor, Fergus Walsh 22.16 on 11 March 2021.

Myrie: Fergus, should we be alarmed about this? Walsh: Clive, these suspensions are purely precautionary. Medical regulators say there's no evidence the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine triggers blood clots. There've been 30 blood clot 'incidents' amongst 5 million EU citizens who've received the jab. That's no higher rate than you'd expect in the general population. Now in any mass immunisation campaign you will have people who suddenly fall ill around the time they receive the jab and they need to be investigated. There've been 2 blood clot deaths - a woman in Denmark and another in Austria. Both received doses from a single batch of the Astra Zeneca vaccine that went to 17 EU countries..............

5 million vaccinations, 30 incidents (no higher than normal), 2 deaths (less than normal).

How many people per million in the EU have died from Covid 19? I'll leave you to work that one out.

However, just consider this.......... Cases of Covid in the UK started rising again in September 2020 and by November, a second short lockdown was ordered.  Cases rose again in December and by January, the current lockdown was put in place.  On 19 February (as far back as Worldometers will go) the number of new cases in the UK was 12,027 and there were 534 deaths from the disease.  (They were far higher in January with cases around 30,000 and deaths around 2000 per day some days.)

A few people received their vaccinations in late 2020 but the UK's vaccination programme began in earnest in January 2021. Both deaths and infections have fallen dramatically since then and today's figures are 5926 new cases and 181 deaths and falling.  Hospitalisation figures are falling at over 25% per week as the results of the vaccine begin to take effect.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/uk/

And you think you're safer without the vaccine? I had mine last Sunday (AZ) and I'm 100% fine - up to you if you think you're OK.

I don't wish to appear rude but you are posting unfounded opinion, an opinion that is clearly proved wrong by the readily available figures. What's more, you are posting such claptrap on a publicly available forum where people may be influenced by what you write.

You go on about vaccines being mass produced in less than a year - ever heard of progress?  It used to take 6 weeks to get from the UK to Thailand, its now 12 hours - do you still go by boat? There's plenty of information, easily sourced on the internet that shows how these vaccines have been made and tested so quickly - try reading some of it.

I don't know you so I'm not accusing you of anything but for the benefit of others reading your post - the term 'Big Pharma' is often used by Conspiracy Theorists - some of whom believe the world is flat.

 

Edited March 11, 2021 by KhaoYai

[Jeffr2]

This is indeed disturbing.  But as mentioned above, if you are at risk, and in a country where the virus is raging, your odds of surviving are WAY better with the jab than without it.

2.6 million dead so far.  And we know that's under counted.  Millions more hospitalized, some with perhaps life long issues.  It's a no brainer.

Here in Thailand, we don't have to worry as much.  But that's going to change once they open up the country.  The jab is the only way to go.

 

[Estrada]

This is pure coincidence. The AstraZeneca vaccine is much cheaper than the Pfizer and some other vaccines in use so you can expect propaganda from competitors to help sales of competitors products. Already Russia is slagging off competitor's vaccines, whilst promoting their own vaccines such as Sputnik.

[drenddy]

Not quite coincidence, yet.The reports from media states that these incidents are related to vaccine from same batch and occured in healthy people.

We don't know two much, but what we know : two women died, one in Austria, 49 years old and the other one, a 60 years old, in Denmark.Plus two cases in Sicily, but from another AZ batch.

Not related to AZ vaccine yet and most of the experts doubts there is any correlation.

 

I, myself, got my AZ jab, in Denmark, Tuesday.Had fever for a day, took some Paracetamol and it was gone after 24 hours.

Now, everybody who received the vaccine within the las 14 days will get a letter from the Danish Board of Health, in which we are asked to be cautious about potential blood clot symptoms.Denmark is known to have a very very cautious approach, in many matters, I must say.

I only took the vaccine out of fear from not being allowed to travel overseas and, not to be an alarmist, even if AZ is cleared by EMA and national health bodies, I will not take the boost.I don't neet this s..t.

Edited March 12, 2021 by drenddy

[Jeffr2]

14 minutes ago, Estrada said:

This is pure coincidence. The AstraZeneca vaccine is much cheaper than the Pfizer and some other vaccines in use so you can expect propaganda from competitors to help sales of competitors products. Already Russia is slagging off competitor's vaccines, whilst promoting their own vaccines such as Sputnik.

Propaganda?  Seriously?  It's been widely reported, with the info NOT coming from the competitors. Countries are desperate for the jab.  From any source.

But yes, avoid any info from Russia.  They are actively spreading propaganda about the jabs.  Time for the world to fight back against this.

[tonray]

3 hours ago, lkv said:

Prayuth was scheduled later on today for a jab of this, he'd better take some Aspirin before. ????

Or Spray some hand sanitizer on the nurse to prevent any probing questions about side effects

[Bluespunk]

5 hours ago, ukrules said:

If the EU no longer require the Oxford/AZ vaccine then I'm sure they will not mind the UK using all available allocations to speed up the already quite advanced vaccination roll out.

 

 

The EU medical regulator has recommended that EU countries continue to use the vaccine.

 

The decision to suspend use is one made by sovereign countries, not the EU...

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Still, the European medicine regulator EMA said the vaccine's benefits outweighed its risks and could continue to be administered.

The above quote is from the OP...

Edited March 12, 2021 by Bluespunk

[John Drake]

3 hours ago, Estrada said:

This is pure coincidence. The AstraZeneca vaccine is much cheaper than the Pfizer and some other vaccines in use so you can expect propaganda from competitors to help sales of competitors products. Already Russia is slagging off competitor's vaccines, whilst promoting their own vaccines such as Sputnik.

 

Do you regard Denmark, Norway, and Iceland as "competitors?" Where is your evidence that Pfizer or "others" are using propaganda against AZ? Do you have some self interest in playing down the risk these countries see in AZ?

[Phoenix Rising]

5 hours ago, ukrules said:

If the EU no longer require the Oxford/AZ vaccine then I'm sure they will not mind the UK using all available allocations to speed up the already quite advanced vaccination roll out.

 

 

When the UK applies for reentry into the EU (and let's be honest, it's not a matter of if, but when) your level of cooperation during the pandemic will surely factor in.

Edited March 12, 2021 by Phoenix Rising

[colinneil]

11 minutes ago, Phoenix Rising said:

When the UK applies for reentry into the EU (and let's be honest, it's not a matter of if, but when) your level of cooperation during the pandemic will surely factor in.

Dream on, UK is out and will stay out, anyway this thread is about covid, sod all to do with  EU membership.

[crazykopite]

Suppose the Thai PM and his cabinet will abandon the vaccine publicity stunt this Friday as this is the same vaccine they have chosen to have ,should be interesting 

[car720]

Wow!  So many expert opinions here.  I just don't know which one to believe. 

[NanLaew]

6 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Norway reports deaths from covid at 117 per million and blood clots from above data is 7 per million. Think I know which one I would risk.

Years ago, my uncle decided he had too much to drink so he left his car and walked home from the pub whereupon he was run over by a drunk driver.

[drenddy]

It seems Thailand has decided to halt AZ vaccine rollout, Bloomberg reports.

Can anyone confirm?

[spiekerjozef]

Take a shot of whisky before you're about to get the jab.

It keeps your blood flowing...

[Susco]

7 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Norway reports deaths from covid at 117 per million and blood clots from above data is 7 per million. Think I know which one I would risk.

Yes, me too.

None of both

[Jeffr2]

21 minutes ago, drenddy said:

It seems Thailand has decided to halt AZ vaccine rollout, Bloomberg reports.

Can anyone confirm?

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-11/n-y-eases-travel-quarantine-biden-signs-stimulus-virus-update?srnd=coronavirus

Thailand Halts Astra Shots

Thailand will temporarily halt use of AstraZeneca Plc’s vaccine until there’s more clarity from investigations of possible blood clots. The European Union’s drugs regulator has said the benefits outweigh the risks as some European countries, including Denmark, Italy and Norway, also temporarily suspend some or all use. Australia and the Philippines see no reason to stop the rollout.

[RichardColeman]

1 hour ago, Susco said:

Yes, me too.

None of both

yes, i think we all think the same, but you may reconsider if you need it for your visa !

[Hi from France]

8 hours ago, Estrada said:

This is pure coincidence. The AstraZeneca vaccine is much cheaper than the Pfizer and some other vaccines in use so you can expect propaganda from competitors to help sales of competitors products. Already Russia is slagging off competitor's vaccines, whilst promoting their own vaccines such as Sputnik.

They are

Russian Campaign Promotes Homegrown Vaccine and Undercuts Rivals https://nyti.ms/39SH3KR

Same thing for Brexit, anything that can harm the west especially the UK. 

 

Now AstraZeneca still encounters difficulties on testing and struggles getting trust from populations.

The UK went full steam ahead injecting this vaccine to its own population but this was not prudent... 

 

Now if you ask me I'd still have the AstraZeneca over the Sinovac and Spoutnik. 

 

 

[onthedarkside]

 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-12/thai-premier-delays-astrazeneca-shot-after-suspensions-in-europe

Thai Premier Delays AstraZeneca Shot Over Probe Into Blood Clots

"Thailand joined Italy and a number of other European nations in temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca Plc’s Covid-19 vaccine pending an investigation into whether it may trigger blood clots.

The decision comes even as European regulators renewed their support of the immunization developed by Cambridge-based AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, saying there was no indication the shot caused the clots that occur in thousands of people every year.

It’s the latest setback for the vaccine, adding to confusion around its initial clinical study results and delayed deliveries in Europe that fueled a dispute with the U.K., where the company is based."

 

[onthedarkside]

Several off-topic Brexit-related posts have been removed. The topic here is coronavirus vaccines, not Brexit.

 

[bkk6060]

I will be very surprised if there is ever a massive vaccine rollout here.

[mommysboy]

The actual incidence of 9 in 5 million appears to be lower than in the general public. 

Blood clots of this type are not associated with this vaccine, but are connected to covid 19 itself!