Major European Countries Begin Janssen Vaccinations... Age Restrictions Despite "Greater Benefits" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] European countries have successively decided to use the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) subsidiary Janssen's COVID-19 vaccine, which has raised concerns about blood clot side effects. This follows the European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledging the possibility of rare side effects while effectively allowing vaccinations.

Hugo de Jonge, the Dutch Minister of Health, held a press conference on the 20th (local time) and stated, "The Janssen vaccine can be used as planned," adding, "Vaccinations will begin tomorrow." The Netherlands made this decision immediately after EMA's announcement.

Italy and France decided to restrict the vaccination age. The Italian health authorities issued a statement saying, "The Janssen vaccine is clearly considered safe," but "following EMA's discovery of the possibility of blood clots in younger people, priority vaccination is recommended for the elderly over 60."

France had earlier announced a policy to use the vaccine for those aged 55 and older. Gabriel Attal, the French government spokesperson, said on the 14th, before EMA's announcement, "The Janssen vaccine will be administered under the same conditions as the AstraZeneca vaccine," adding, "It is a vaccine for people aged 55 and above."

EMA concluded that the Janssen vaccine is associated with the possibility of very rare cases of unusual blood clots accompanied by low platelet counts and that related warnings should be added to the product information. However, it effectively allowed vaccinations, stating that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of side effects.

Accordingly, J&J will resume supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Europe. However, there may be difficulties in immediate supply. Last month, an incident occurred at the Baltimore plant in the United States, which produces the Janssen vaccine, where vaccine components were improperly mixed, resulting in the disposal of 15 million doses, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested a production halt at this plant.

U.S. health authorities will decide on the resumption of Janssen vaccine vaccinations on the 23rd. Like Europe, there is growing weight to the possibility that the U.S. will decide to resume vaccinations.