Regulator’s decision on AstraZeneca jab safety could come within days

Britain’s health regulator is considering the impact of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on younger people and could come to a decision within days about whether to change its guidance, Channel Four News reported yesterday.

The broadcaster said that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA] was looking again at the data after concerns were expressed by the authorities in Germany and Canada over rare blood clots.

Government insiders told The Telegraph on Monday night that they were not expecting the regulator to put age restrictions on the use of the AstraZeneca jab, while stressing that the regulator was independent.

Ministers have repeatedly talked about the safety of the AstraZeneca jab in recent weeks, including in high profile press conferences, in moves designed to reassure the public.

Last week, the German government announced it would stop general use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged under 60 amid concerns over blood clots, with Canada doing the same for the under-55s.

At the time, Downing Street moved quickly to make clear the UK Government’s continued belief that the vaccine was safe and indicated no change in approach was expected.

A government spokesman said yesterday: “The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is safe, effective and has already saved thousands of lives in this country.

"As the UK’s independent regulator has said, when people are called forward, they should get the jab.

“Over 37 million jabs overall have already been administered and we are on track to offer jabs to all over 50s by 15 April and all adults by the end of July.”

It was unclear last night whether the MHRA was expected to make an announcement in the coming days or if it was simply conducting routine checks as more data comes in.

The regulator has previously said it constantly monitors new data about the vaccines it has approved for use. A spokesman for the MHRA did not immediately comment.

Last week, Dr June Raine, the MHRA chief executive, said: “Our own detailed review is ongoing, and all cases reported are being rigorously analysed. Our advice remains that the benefits of AstraZeneca [vaccine] in preventing COVID-19 infection and its complications continue to outweigh any risks and you should continue to get the vaccine when invited to do so.”