The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland should be "temporarily deferred".
The advice comes following information from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of "serious blood clotting events" in adults after the vaccine had been administered.
In a statement, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said "it has not been concluded that there is any link" between the AstraZeneca inoculation and these cases.
"However, acting on the precautionary principal, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland," he added.
The suspension takes effect immediately.
STATEMENT: The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of #COVID19 Vaccine AstraZeneca has been temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14th March. pic.twitter.com/MAodFeVXb0
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 14, 2021
The Department of Health received the new reports from the Norwegian Medicines Agency yesterday evening.
The NIAC made the deferral recommendation following discussions with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The Committee is due to meet again this morning.
Main image: The AstraZeneca vaccine being prepared for administering. Photo: Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau via AP
