TheCable

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that countries continue to administer the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, amid growing concerns on safety.

Over the past weeks, several European countries have suspended vaccination with the use of the AstraZeneca doses over a possible link to blood clots.

Nigeria is currently administering the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was procured through the UN-led COVAX facility.

In a statement on Wednesday, WHO said its global committee on vaccine safety is still assessing the available data for the AstraZeneca vaccine, adding that when the review is completed it would communicate its findings.

WHO, however, noted that for now, it considers that the benefit of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweighs its risks, and as such, it would recommend that countries continue to administer the doses.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Matt Hancock, UK health minister, said the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine remains safe and urged people to get vaccinated.