FACT BRIEF

Has evidence of a rare side effect from AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine led European countries to curtail its use?

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

By Gus Fisher

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YES

Firmer evidence of a rare side effect from AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has led health authorities in Europe to limit its use among younger people.

In the U.K., 79 people developed a rare clotting disorder, and 19 of them died. On April 7, the government advised that people under 30 be offered “an alternative COVID-19 vaccine, if available.” Other European countries have set minimum ages of 55, 60 or 65 for receiving the vaccine.

According to an analysis by GAVI, a global vaccine alliance, about one person in a million has a chance of experiencing the side effect. Researchers say the protection afforded against COVID-19 from the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is less expensive and easier to store and transport than vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, is likely to offset the side effect risks for much of the world.

The vaccine hasn't been authorized for use in the U.S.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

GOV.UK Statement on use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (April 7, 2021)

GAVI What is the blood clotting disorder the AstraZeneca vaccine has been linked to?

Science Hard choices emerge as link between AstraZeneca vaccine and rare clotting disorder becomes clearer

France 24 Calls for ‘coherent’ EU policy on AstraZeneca as confusion and public trust falters

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