Thread by @DaveKeating

BREAKING: An updated assessment by the EU Medicines Agency finds there *is* a possible link between the #AstraZeneca vaccine and "very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets."

https://twitter.com/EMA_News/status/1379794539456688137

"Unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects," the EMA now says.

"So far, most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60 within 2 weeks of vaccination...specific risk factors have not been confirmed."

"The chance of having this occur is very low, but you should still be aware of symptoms" EMA says.

"The benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks for people who receive it."

Regulatory authorities around the world, from Canada to France, have already recommended only giving #AstraZeneca to people over 55 in response to blood clot concerns (after temporary pause last month).

EMA not going that far, but finding seems to back those national decisions.

The United States has still not approved the #AstraZeneca vaccine for use in anyone.

These latest developments probably mean such approval isn't coming any time soon.

Wow things are moving fast.

Following the EU EMA report, the UK announces it will join EU countries in only administering the #AstraZeneca vaccine to older people, where possible.

https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1379800490058207233?s=20

So now the UK authority is actually being more cautious on #AstraZeneca than the EU authority.

EU EMA still not recommending restricting by age, though some EU countries like France are choosing to do that.

But with the timing, it seems clear EMA report influenced UK decision.