UK and Germany Change Age Restriction Criteria for AZ Vaccine... Government Says "Verifying Basis for Adjustment"

UK Limits Vaccination to Under 40
Germany Lowers Age Limit from 60 to 18

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The quarantine authorities are closely monitoring the recent decision by the UK to further tighten the age restrictions for AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine administration.

On the afternoon of the 9th, the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team (Promotion Team) stated, "We are reviewing the details regarding the expansion of the age restrictions for the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK."

According to local media including the UK daily The Telegraph on the 6th (local time), the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that individuals under 40 receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to concerns over blood clot formation.

The JCVI decided last month not to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to the 18-29 age group, stating that the risk of COVID-19 infection in this age group is not greater than the risk of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Regarding this, the Promotion Team explained, "Domestically, as of April 12, the AstraZeneca vaccine has been administered to those aged 30 and above, and the current situation remains unchanged from then," adding, "There have been no reported cases of rare thrombosis, and the number of confirmed cases remains steady at around 500 to 600."

Germany was the first to change the age restriction criteria for the AstraZeneca vaccine. The German government had previously banned the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine to those under 60 due to ongoing cases of rare thrombosis accompanied by thrombocytopenia. However, on the 6th (local time), German Health Minister Jens Spahn announced that "all adults aged 18 and over are now allowed to receive the AZ vaccine," effectively removing the age restriction. Minister Jens made this announcement immediately after a meeting with health ministers from 16 federal states and also mentioned that the interval between the first and second vaccine doses could be shortened from the current 12 weeks. This is interpreted as a judgment that the safety benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.

The Promotion Team mentioned, "There are reports that Germany has removed the age restriction," and added, "It is presumed that the UK and Germany adjusted the age restrictions for the AstraZeneca vaccine reflecting changes in their domestic situations, and we are currently investigating the basis for these decisions."

Furthermore, the Promotion Team stated, "We are monitoring changes in scientific evidence and national policies, and once sufficient data is accumulated, we plan to conduct expert consultations and review by specialized committees," but also noted, "No finalized schedule has been set yet."