The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) decided on Sunday to suspend the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine until March 28, the country's Health Ministry stated. It added the decision is a "precautionary measure" and the matter will be further investigated.
A number of countries have stopped the use of the shot, most recently Ireland. The governments cite instances of blood clots linked to the vaccine as the reason for the restrictions. The European Medicines Agency stated that, while its committee has started an inquiry, there is currently no clear connection between the jab and thromboembolic events. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca insisted the vaccine is safe based on data collected from over 17 million vaccinated individuals. The MEB said no cases of thrombosis have been identified in the Netherlands.
