Boris Johnson defends AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as he visits manufacturing plant in Macclesfield

Boris Johnson has defended the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine amid reports that the UK’s regulator is being pushed to ban the jab for those under the age of 30.

Speaking to reporters at the pharmaceutical giant’s manufacturing plant in Macclesfield, he said it was “very important to stress” that the best thing is to vaccinate the population.

“On the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the best thing people should do is look at what the MHRA say, our independent regulator – that’s why we have them, that’s why they are independent.

“Their advice to people is to keep going out there, get your jab, get your second jab,” he added.

Regulators in the UK and Europe are currently examining potential links between the jab and rare blood clots.

It comes after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it had identified 30 cases of rare blood clot events out of 18.1 million doses of the AZ jab administered up to March 24. Of these reports, seven people died.

The chair of the EMA’s vaccine evaluation team has said there is a “clear link” between the vaccine and very rare blood clots but the cause is unknown.

It was also reported on Monday by Channel 4 News that two senior sources had told its programme that the independent regulator was being urged to ban the jab in younger people.

The sources said a decision could be made as early as this week.

But Dr June Raine, MHRA’s chief executive, was quick to dispute the claims on Monday and said that no decision had been made and urged people to continue to get vaccinated.

“Our thorough and detailed review is ongoing into reports of very rare and specific types of blood clots with low platelets following the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.”

“No decision has yet been made on any regulatory action,” she added.

Vaccine minister, Mr Nadhim Zahawi, also encouraged the public to get the vaccine during an interview with BBC breakfast on Tuesday saying these were “very rare incidents.”

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