Despite clearance, monitor vaccinated Nigerians, experts warn

By Chioma Obinna

The suspension of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines in some countries following reports of cases of blood clots and other side effects may increase hesitancy to accept a COVID-19 vaccine.

Already, there are also fears that the development could erode public trust in the vaccines and hamper efforts to achieve herd immunity.

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Meanwhile, with the European Medicines Agency, EMA, investigation showing the vaccine was safe, last Thursday, medical experts in Nigeria say there was no need to discontinue the vaccination.

According to them, only vaccines can help the country achieve herd immunity.

A host of European countries had put all vaccinations with Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on hold.

These countries include Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Norway and Ireland.

Others, such as DRC Congo, Estonia and Austria, also suspended vaccinations.

Most of the countries claimed their action was due to cases of blood-clotting conditions among those who had received the vaccine.

AstraZeneca react

But the Oxford/AstraZeneca, in a statement, stated that after a careful review of data from the 17 million people vaccinated in the E.U. and U.K. with its shot, there was no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombocytopenia, in any defined age group, gender and batch or in any particular country.

They noted that among the millions vaccinated in the E.U. and U.K., just 15 have developed DVT or blood clots in the blood vessels, and 22 have developed clots in the lungs that originated elsewhere and travelled to pulmonary arteries.

The manufacturers insisted that these are insignificant compared to the number of cases expected to occur naturally in that population.

Confirming their argument, EMA concluded it was safe and effective.

The EMA had reviewed the jab after 13 EU states suspended use of the vaccine over fears of a link to blood clots. According to them, the jab was not associated with a higher risk of clots.  …