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2021.03.17 01:10 GMT+8

Pressure mounts on health experts as more countries suspend AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

Updated 2021.03.17 01:10 GMT+8
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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected to release its findings on the AstraZeneca vaccines on Thursday, 17th March, 2020. /Getty Images

Pressure continues to mount on global health experts to clear up questions over the safety of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine which has been suspended by multiple countries.

On Tuesday, Sweden and Latvia joined a growing list of nations in Europe that have suspended AstraZeneca vaccine shots either entirely or from specific batches, citing potential adverse effects including possible blood clots.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it was investigating reports of 30 cases of unusual unusual blood disorders out of 5 million recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The EU regulator is expected to release its findings on Thursday, but it has repeatedly expressed confidence in the vaccine.

"The benefits continue to outweigh the risks, but this is a serious concern and it does need serious and detailed scientific evaluation," said EMA's Executive Director Emer Cooke.

A World Health Organization (WHO) committee of experts is expected to issue a statement later today regarding the same.

(With input from agencies)

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