Suspension of the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine by many EU countries

17.3.2021

Question for written answer  E-001465/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sergio Berlato (ECR), Vincenzo Sofo (ECR)

It has recently been reported that countries such as Austria, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia and Denmark have suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The reason being given for the suspension, in particular, is the occurrence of dangerous blood clotting conditions in at least four patients. This serious effect appears to be linked to a specific batch of the drug, but there is no evidence that such side-effects cannot occur even after inoculation of the vaccine from other batches.

Given the substantial resources invested by the European Union in financing the production and purchase of the AstraZeneca vaccine, can the Commission say:

• 1.what action the EU intends to take to protect its citizens in the light of this alarming news;
• 2.whether it does not consider it appropriate to verify this recent news with the pharmaceutical company in question with a view to protecting the health and safety of EU citizens and the transparency of information?

Supporters[1]

• [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Raffaele Fitto (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR)