Where risk is involved, science deals in probabilities not certainties. Communication around vaccines must accept that reality
‘If the balance of risk and benefit is framed accurately, the evidence is irresistible in favour of vaccination.’ Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
‘If the balance of risk and benefit is framed accurately, the evidence is irresistible in favour of vaccination.’ Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
Wed 7 Apr 2021 13.39 EDT
Last modified on Fri 9 Apr 2021 09.41 EDT
Every day, people take medicines with known side-effects. The risk is accepted when weighed against the benefit. But Covid vaccines are unfamiliar. There is no record of use over time to build public confidence. Still, they have been tested and proven to offer protection against the virus. By all usual medical standards, they are safe. That remains true for the AstraZeneca vaccine, despite an evolving picture that side-effects might include a rare blood clotting disord
The Netherlands has joined Ireland in suspending use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine as a precautionary measure following further reports of blood clots in people who have received it, this time from Norway. Announcing the move late on Sunday, the Dutch health ministry said there was no proof yet of a direct link between the vaccine and reports of possible side effects from Norway and Denmark and it had not recorded any cases in.
Ireland suspends AstraZeneca Covid vaccine over blood clot concerns theguardian.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theguardian.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.