Oxford University AstraZeneca logo and vaccine shot last November in Paris, France. Provided by AFP/Yonhap News
A high-ranking official from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) revealed that there is a causal link between vaccination against AstraZeneca’s novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and rare thrombosis. This is happening. EMA drew a line that the controversy dated shortly after the official’s remarks were reported, “the relationship is currently being reviewed and no final conclusion has been reached.” The EMA is the agency responsible for the evaluation and approval of pharmaceuticals under the European Union (EU). The World Health Organization (WHO) adhered to its existing position on vaccination, saying that the risk of getting AstraZeneca vaccine is far less than the risk of not getting it. However, comments from senior EMA officials are increasing distrust in the AstraZeneca vaccine, and the controversy is unlikely to subside for the time being.
It is getting harder to say that there is no causal relationship between the AstraZeneca vaccine and the very rare thrombosis associated with low platelets, in the words of Marco Cavaleri, head of EMA vaccine strategy on the 6th (local time) of Italian Daily Mesazero “He said.
“It is clear that (this symptom) is related to vaccination,” said Cabelleri, assuming his opinion. “But these cases are very rare, and the benefit of vaccination outweighs the risk of side effects,” he added.
However, as reports went out, countries introducing Astravexine were in a difficult situation. EMA has not yet reached a conclusion on these remarks, and has made an official position that a relevant review is currently underway. An EMA spokesman immediately said, “We will have a briefing as soon as the review is finalized, and that will be on the 7th or 8th.”
AstraZeneca continues to face controversy over the occurrence of blood clots after vaccination in Europe. Cases of blood clots after vaccination have been reported, and some countries in Europe have restricted AstraZeneca vaccination.
The EMA concluded on the 22nd of last month that AstraZeneca vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of common blood clots. However, in relation to specific blood clots, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation disorder (DIC) and cerebral sinus thrombosis (CVST), which occur very rarely, the causal relationship cannot be completely excluded, and further analysis is required.
EMA is conducting safety committee evaluations on cases of thrombosis after vaccination that continue to occur in Europe, including DIC and CVST. The results of the related call will be released after the entire meeting from this day to the 9th.