Norway will drop AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from its immunisation programme over rare but serious side effects, and keep Johnson & Johnson's jab suspended, the government announced Wednesday.

The vaccine from US drug-maker Johnson & Johnson will still be offered to those who volunteer to take it in Norway. 

Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a press conference the decision had been taken in view of the rare but serious side effects associated with the jabs, which both use the same adenovirus technology.

(With input from agencies)