As it happened: 'Course correction' over extremely rare blood clot link to AstraZeneca jab

7 April 2021, 12:51 | Updated: 8 April 2021, 01:39

European Medicines Agency press conference on AstraZeneca vaccine | Watch LIVE

The UK's medicines regulator has announced those under the age of 30 should not take the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab due to a 'plausible link' to an extremely rare side effect of serious blood clots.

The UK medicines regulator found a possible link between the specific vaccine and a rare blood clot condition. 79 cases have been identified out of around 20million doses, with 19 deaths. The MHRA said the decision to stop the rollout of the jab in those aged 18-29 was being made out of an abundance of caution, and that more research was being carried out.

The European Medicines Agency also said that unusual blood clots should be listed as a "very rare" side effect of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.

In a statement earlier, if found the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19 "outweigh the risks of side effects."

Evidence shows the vaccine is overwhelmingly safe, with both regulators acting out of caution in line with their protocols.

Earlier today the former head of the MHRA told LBC that he has "no reservations" about the jab's safety.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca trial of the vaccine in children has also been paused.

Follow updates from both of the press conference LIVE here

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