MHRA response to the precautionary suspensions of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
The MHRA has confirmed that reports of thromboembolic events caused by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine have not been confirmed and advise that people should still receive their COVID-19 vaccine. The WHO and Astra Zeneca also confirm that vaccination should continue.
Source:
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
SPS commentary:
As of 10 March, 30 cases of thromboembolic events, which is not listed as an adverse event, had been reported among the five million people given the AstraZeneca vaccine in the European Economic Area.
This has led to the vaccine being paused in a number of European countries until further investigation by the European Medicine Agency.
An Astra Zeneca safety review of more that 17 million vaccinated individuals has found no evidence of an increased risk of any thromboembolic events in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country. As of 8th March 2020, Astra Zeneca state that there have been 15 events of deep vein thrombosis and 22 events of pulmonary embolism reported which they note is similar to other licensed COVID-19 vaccines.