Concerns Over Persistent Blood Clots... AZ and Janssen Suspensions Resurge

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Movements to suspend AstraZeneca (AZ) and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, which have raised concerns about thrombotic side effects, are resurging in various countries.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced on the 12th (local time) that "the AZ vaccine will be excluded from Norway's vaccination program," AFP reported. This is the second case in Europe following Denmark.

This decision follows the recommendation by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health on the 10th to suspend AZ and Janssen vaccines due to rare but harmful side effects.

Norway is currently administering only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Prime Minister Solberg said, "The remaining AZ vaccines may be redistributed to European Union (EU) member states or through the COVAX facility."

Ontario, Canada, announced the day before that it will suspend first-dose administration of the AZ vaccine as reports of thrombosis cases are increasing. The doses remaining from the suspension of first doses will be reserved for use in second doses later.

A provincial health official stated, "The rate of safety issues relative to the population is increasing," adding, "It is appropriate to stop AZ vaccinations as the risk of serious thrombosis should not be underestimated."

Concerns are also growing about the Janssen vaccine, an adenovirus vector vaccine like the AZ vaccine.

According to The New York Times, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that among 8.7 million Janssen vaccine recipients, 28 cases of thrombotic side effects have been identified.

All 28 cases were adults aged 18 to 59, including 6 men. All exhibited symptoms of thrombosis and low platelet levels, with 3 deaths among them. The CDC stated, "This appears similar to the outcomes observed after administration of the AZ vaccine in Europe."

Tom Shimabukuro, Deputy Director of the CDC, said regarding thrombotic side effects, "The reporting rate was higher in females than males across all age groups," and added, "It is a rare but clinically serious and potentially life-threatening condition."