WHO BACKS USE OF ASTRAZENECA VACCINE

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continuing vaccinations with AstraZeneca's vaccine against COVID-19 until further notice, despite recent fears about its safety, Christiane Oelrich reported for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

"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," the WHO said in a statement.

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 the vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them," the WHO said.

It added: "It also shows that the surveillance system works and effective controls are in place."

The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data for the AstraZeneca vaccine, the statement said. "Once that review is completed, WHO will immediately communicate the findings to the public."

It added: "At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue." Earlier, a WHO regional office stated that vaccinations remain a key to reducing severe illness with COVID-19 and even deaths.

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