Netherlands halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine

The Netherlands has become the latest country to suspend the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on Sunday over concerns about unexpected side effects and they joined the fast-growing list of countries suspending the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine.

The Dutch government said in a statement that the vaccine will not be used until at least 29 March as a precaution.

Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said, “We can’t allow any doubts about the vaccine. We have to make sure everything is right, so it is wise to pause for now.”

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that there is no connection between the vaccine and the increased risk of developing a clot.

Along with Denmark, Norway, and Ireland, Iceland has also suspended the use of the vaccine over clotting issues, while Thailand became the first country outside of Europe to do so on Friday.

ARR