Latvia defers decision on resuming use of AstraZeneca vaccine until it receives more extensive info from EMA

RIGA - Notwithstanding the European regulator's announcement on the benefits of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, Latvia might take its decision on resuming the use of this vaccine against Covid-19 only on Thursday when the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected to provide more details on the vaccine's side effects, LETA learned. 

Today, EMA announced that it is "firmly convinced" of the benefits of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine despite several countries suspending its use over blood clot fears. "We are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing Covid-19 with its associated risk of hospitalization and death outweigh the risk of these side effects," EMA chief Emer Cooke told an online press conference.

This announcement, however, will not influence Latvia's current decision to suspend the use of this vaccine. 

As reported, as an additional precaution, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the National Immunization Council, the State Agency of Medicines and the Health Inspectorate on Tuesday recommended a temporary suspension of vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 in Latvia.

According to the State Agency of Medicines, the decision was made on the basis of reports from individual European Union countries on thromboembolism and similar cases observed in various periods after receiving the vaccine.