Finland to keep using AstraZeneca vaccine until EMA decision

The negative impacts of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine reported in different countries were not been detected in Finland yet, reported the national broadcaster Yle, quoting the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on Tuesday.

THL said Finland would continue to use the AstraZeneca vaccine until getting any instruction from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in this regard.

EMA is expected to make a decision on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Thursday.

Many European countries – France Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and Cyprus – suspended the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine over blood-clot concerns.

EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke on Tuesday told a press conference that the agency is continuing to evaluate the vaccine and consult with specialists. An announcement in this regard will be made on Thursday.

EMA is working closely with the company, with experts in blood disorders, and with other health authorities including the UK’s MHRA, based on its experience of administering around 11 million doses of the vaccine, said EMA in a press release on Monday.