The European Union’s drugs regulator said the benefits of AstraZeneca PLC’s COVID-19 vaccine continue to outweigh its risks, and the shot can still be administered while investigations of possible blood clots are ongoing.
The European Medicines Agency reiterated that there is currently no indication that the Astra vaccine caused these conditions, which aren’t listed as side effects. The EMA issued the statement as Denmark, Italy and Norway joined other European countries in temporarily suspending use of some or all of their Astra COVID-19 shots. The regulator is investigating the concerns.
It’s the latest setback for AstraZeneca’s European rollout, which has already encountered a number of bumps along the way. Delayed deliveries fueled a dispute between the EU and the U.K., where AstraZeneca is based, and there were questions over its efficacy for people over 65. Several EU countries have since reversed course on earlier restrictions after new data showed the vaccine’s benefits for the elderly.