Blood clots linked to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, listed as very rare side effects: EMA

BRUSSELS -- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed on Wednesday that the occurrence of blood clots with low blood platelets are strongly associated with the administration of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, but should be still listed as very rare side effects.

In its latest assessment, EMA experts told the media that the reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects.

EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee made the conclusion after carrying out an in-depth review of the more than 80 cases reported in the European Union (EU) data base.

The agency thus reminded healthcare professionals and people receiving the vaccine to remain aware of the possibility of the occurrence of the side effects within two weeks of vaccination.

So far, most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60 years of age within two weeks of vaccination, it added.