Spain's health ministry on Monday announced the immediate suspension of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine for a minimum of 15 days following reports of potential adverse effects including possible blood clots.

The temporary ban comes following similar moves earlier by Germany, Italy and France despite the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reiterating that the vaccine's benefits "continue to outweigh its risks."

As countries continue to halt the use of the AstraZeneca jabs either entirely or from specific batches, the World Health Organization said it was reviewing the reports, but that the blood clots are not necessarily linked to the shots.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom said earlier the organization's Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is reviewing the available data and is scheduled to meet tomorrow on the same.

(With input from agencies)