Derbyshire residents urged to attend Covid vaccination despite pausing of Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs in Europe

Use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in some countries following reports of blood clots in a small number of people recently vaccinated.

Health regulators say the move is a precaution and there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine is linked.

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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) , the World Health Organisation and the UK's medicine regulator, the MHRA, all say the vaccine is safe to give.

The EMA is carrying out a review, but in the meantime, the Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, and Iceland are among countries who have paused use of the vaccine.

Dr Phil Bryan, MHRA vaccines safety lead said: "We are closely reviewing reports but given the large number of doses administered, and the frequency at which blood clots can occur naturally, the evidence available does not suggest the vaccine is the cause.

“People should still go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so.”

The vaccine is highly protective against serious Covid-19, reducing the chance of someone getting ill and needing hospital treatment by more than 80 per cent.

Dr Bryan added: “The Danish, Norwegian and and Icelandic authorities’ action to temporarily suspend use of the vaccine is precautionary whilst they investigate.

“Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. More than 11 million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccine have now been administered across the UK.

“Reports of blood clots received so far are not greater than the number that would have occurred naturally in the vaccinated population.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Phil Bramley, editor.