Boris Johnson has stressed the safety of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine amid reports that health regulators are considering limiting its use in younger people.
The prime minister said the vaccination programme would "keep going" and that it was "very, very important" for people to get their second injections when called to do so.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reportedly considering offering people under-30 a different vaccines amid concerns about a small number of people suffering from blood clots.
Scientists have said the benefits of the vaccine far our weight any small risks but that the picture could be more complicated for younger people.
Asked about the vaccine on Tuesday afternoon Mr Johnson told reporters: "On the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, I think that the best thing people should do is, is look at what the MHRA say – they're our independent regulator that's that's why we have them. And their advice to people is to keep going out there, get your get your jab, get your second jab. Very, very important.
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- Are younger people at risk of blood clots linked to AstraZeneca vaccine?
- UK regulator ‘may restrict use of Oxford Covid vaccine in younger people’ amid blood clot fears
"I think we've now done 31.5 million people in the UK with a first job at least, well over 5 million for the second job, we need to keep that going, 60 per cent of adults have now been done. and clearly, that is starting to have a beneficial effect on the trajectory of the disease. So as I was saying, last night we still got to be careful, we can't be complacent."
The UK is expecting to make sure of several vaccines, with the Oxford vaccine, Moderna, and the Pfizer versions approved for use, with the delivery of Moderna set to start in the spring. Another, Novavax, is also set to be manufactuered in the UK pending approval by regulators.
A number of European countries have been cautious about using the Oxford vaccine, which has played a major role in the UK’s vaccination programme.
Countries including France suspended its use last month amid concerns about blood clots, before reinstating it and limiting its use to over 55s.
The European Medicines Agency and the UK’s own regulator have both approved the jab and say it is safe.
