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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (1550)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1550. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if concerns have been raised in Ireland following Denmark pausing the use of a vaccine (details supplied) after reports of blood clots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14626/21]

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Written answers

On Sunday, 14 March, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended the temporary deferral of the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca following a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of cases of serious, rare thromboembolic (clotting) events, including some complicated by low platelet counts.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), through its safety committee conducted and urgent review of all blood clotting events occurring with the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca to determine if there is a possible safety risk.

The EMA’s preliminary report, concluded on 18 March, reported that the benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in combating the threat of COVID-19 continue to outweigh the risk of side effects. The EMA also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots in those who receive it.

The NIAC convened and reviewed the EMA statement in relation to COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and, following discussion with representatives from the HPRA, the National Coagulation Centre and counterparts across the EU, recommended that the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should be recommenced. 

The HSE recommenced vaccinations with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca on Saturday, 20 March.

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