The Department of Health has this morning announced the suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Ireland after reports of blood clots linked to the jab.
Dr Ronan Glynn said that the The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended the deferral of today's vaccines as further investigations are carried out.
The reports of blood clots come from Norway and some other European countries - with the World Health Organisation also investigating.
Here's everything we know so far;
Blood clot reports
In Norway, authorities have said three people who received its shot are being treated for severe blood clots and cerebral hemorrhages - although it’s too soon to say if there was a connection.
The people, who were all “of younger age,” had a reduced number of platelets in their blood, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said.
The NMA said in a statement: "Common to these patients is that they have had a reduced number of platelets in the blood. Blood clots and subsequent cerebral hemorrhage are a rare condition.
"FHI has put the AstraZeneca vaccine on pause in the coronary vaccination program. It is now the Norwegian Medicines Agency's role to follow up on these suspected side effects and take the necessary measures in this serious situation."
WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said on Sunday: "Yes, we should continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine."
Although Mrs Harris did stress that any concerns over safety must be investigated.
The Britain-based AstraZeneca insisted its jab was safe, adding there is "no evidence" of higher blood clot risks.
Number of AZ vaccines used in Ireland
So far, 109,352 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered here in Ireland - according to data that is up to date as of March 10.
There has not been any reports of similar blood-clotting as a result of the vaccine here in Ireland.
Official Department of Health statement
Dr Ronan Glynn said in a statement: "Following new information received from the Norwegian Medicines Agency on Saturday evening 13 th March and following discussions with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca be temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14 th March.
"This recommendation has been made following a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination with Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
"It has not been concluded that there is any link between the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® and these cases. However, acting on the precautionary principal, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland.
"The NIAC is due to meet again this morning. A further statement will follow thereafter."
AZ statement
A spokesperson said this morning: “An analysis of our safety data that covers reported cases from more than 17 million doses of vaccine administered has shown no evidence of an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or thrombocytopenia with Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. In fact, the reported numbers of these types of events for Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are not greater than the number that would have occurred naturally in the unvaccinated population.
“In clinical trials, no trends or patterns were observed with regard to pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or events possibly related to thrombocytopenia.
"A careful review of all available safety data including these events is ongoing and AstraZeneca is committed to sharing information without delay. We also note that the European Medicine Agency (EMA) has asked for an assessment of events related to thrombocytopenia from other Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers (per communication 11 March).”
