EMA launched its review following moves by more than 12 EU member states to temporarily halt inoculations with the shot over fears it could lead to very rare cases of blood clots, in combination with thrombocytopenia (low levels of blood platelets).

The medicines agency said it found no batch issues or quality issues with the vaccine, although it was unable to definitively rule out a link with the blood clot incidents. The EMA plans to continue studying possible links between the blood clots and the vaccine and also will update its guidance for the vaccine to explain potential risks.

Some 30 cases of blood clots were reported in people who had received the vaccine originally developed by the University of Oxford in the UK. Some countries halted shots altogether, while others stopped using individual batches of the vaccine.

Before its review, the EMA recommended that EU countries continue vaccinations with the shot as did the World Health Organization. The discussion over the risks associated with the clots helped heat up the cold war between the UK and the EU. Brexit hardliners accused European officials of trying to sabotage the British-made vaccine in retaliation for Britain’s leaving the bloc.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist