Netherlands halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine amid blood clotting concerns

As per details, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) which is currently carrying out a review into incidents of blood clots has stated that the vaccine's benefits continue to increase its risks.

The Dutch health ministry in Netherlands stated that no similar cases are currently known in the country but it advised people who had received the vaccine to contact their doctor if they experience any unexpected symptoms within three days.

The health ministry in a statement said, "Based on new information, the Dutch Medicines Authority has advised, as a precautionary measure and pending further investigation, to suspend the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine".

“The move, which will last until at least 29 March, was a precaution” the statement added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, AstraZeneca said there was no evidence of an increased risk of clotting due to the vaccine.

Moreover, the Republic of Ireland earlier made a similar decision over reports of blood clotting events in adults.

Countries including Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand have already suspended their rollouts of the AstraZeneca vaccine because of concerns about blood clots.