Posted by Michael Wonder on 30 Mar 2021
Canada urges halt in use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in people under 55
30 March 2021 - Canadian authorities recommended Monday a halt on administering the AstraZeneca PLC COVID-19 vaccine on people under the age of 55 in light of evidence from Europe on potentially serious side effects targeting younger women.
The change in guidance marked a sharp shift from Canadian health officials, who up until now have said the AstraZeneca vaccine was safe for people of all ages — a point they emphasised earlier this month when governments in Europe paused the vaccine’s use amid worries over blood clotting.
This also marks the latest setback for the British-Swedish drugmaker, which has faced pushback from governments, regulators and the public about the rollout of its vaccine.
