Finland to resume AstraZeneca vaccine use for 65+ people

Finland on Wednesday decided to resume the use of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on 29 March but only for the people of above 65 years of age, said the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release.

The risk for the side effects in young people, however, will be studied.

Finland on 19 March decided to suspend the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for a temporary period after two cases of unusual blood-clotting in the brain had been reported after use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

THL took the decision of stopping the use of AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure as the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA) reported that the incidents of blood-clotting occurred four to 10 days after taking the vaccine.

“There is no increased risk of the very rare blood-clotting disorder after vaccination in people over 65 years old, the possible link to AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is now being investigated,” said THL Chief physician Taneli Puumalainen.

The National Vaccine Expert Group (KRAR) on Tuesday said the continued use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on people aged more than 65 years is medically justified.