WHO advice on continuing use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, says benefits “outweigh its risks”

Despite the halt in its vaccinations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday advised the continued use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, saying that its benefits “outweigh its risks.”

The vaccine, produced by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and Oxford University scientists, hit a major crisis as countries across Europe and across the world suspended its use over fears it may cause blood clots in some recipients, some of them fatal.

But WHO said in a statement that for now, its usage is necessary until it issues a statement once the review of the vaccine by its Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety which “is carefully assessing the latest available safety data for the AstraZeneca vaccine,” is completed.

The full statement by WHO reads: “Some countries in the European Union have temporarily suspended use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who had received the vaccine. Other countries in the EU – having considered the same information – have decided to continue using the vaccine in their immunization programmes. 

“Vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes. Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally. 

“In extensive vaccination campaigns, it is routine for countries to signal potential adverse events following immunization. This does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place. 

“WHO is in regular contact with the European Medicines Agency and regulators around the world for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Once that review is completed, WHO will immediately communicate the findings to the public.

“At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.”