The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed that it has received a small number of reports of blood clots relating to the AstraZeneca vaccine in Ireland.
Use of the jab has been temporarily suspended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee following an alert by the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious, rare blood clotting events.
A HPRA issued a statement this afternoon to confirm it had received reports of blood clotting events in Ireland although none are thought to be as serious as the incidents in Norway.
It read: "To date, the HPRA has received a small number of reports associated with blood clots following vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"However, it has not received any reports of the nature of those described by the Norwegian Medicines Agency.
"We will continue to monitor national reports very closely and continue to encourage the reporting of any suspected side effect following vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine.
"There is currently no indication that vaccination was the cause of these events and there may be alternative explanations for their occurrence that are unrelated to the vaccine.
"However, the safety of the public is of the utmost importance, and it is essential that reports of potential safety concerns, even if very rare, are rigorously and swiftly investigated so that the public can be reassured and if required, appropriate action can be taken."
Earlier today, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn moved to reassure the public that side effects from vaccines were normal and blood clotting events are extremely rare.
He told RTE's Radio One: "What we are talking about here is likely a very rare event and we can not say there is a cause and effect here.
"Anybody who has had a Covid vaccine of any type, it is not usual to feel tired, have muscle and joint pain or fever in the 24 to 48 hours after receiving the vaccine.
"If they feel unwell three days after receiving the vaccine or if they notice blue spots on their skin, they should consult a doctor or an out of office medical service immediately. These are rare, rare events and no cause of link has yet been established."
