WHO statement on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety signals

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the background of the suspension of its use in several countries, especially in Europe.

Some countries in the European Union have temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who had received the vaccine. Other countries in the EU – having considered the same information - have decided to continue using the vaccine in their immunization programs.

Vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes. Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally.

An extensive vaccination campaigns, it is routine for countries to signal potential adverse events following immunization. It does not necessarily mean that the possibilities are linked to the vaccination itself, but it is good to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that adequate controls are in place.

WHO is in regular contact with the European Medicines Agency and regulators worldwide for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety. The WHO COVID-19 Subcommittee of the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the AstraZeneca vaccine's latest available safety data. Once that review is completed, WHO will immediately communicate the findings to the public.

At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.

According to a decree signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Azerbaijan will receive 432,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Sweden.