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Saskatchewan moves ahead with AstraZeneca vaccine while other nations on hold

While Saskatchewan’s first batch of AstraZeneca vaccinations have been taking place at a drive-thru clinic in Regina for 64 year-olds, 10 nations have suspended its usage in recent days due to reports of blood clots in rare instances, and two reports

While Saskatchewan’s first batch of AstraZeneca vaccinations have been taking place at a drive-thru clinic in Regina for 64 year-olds, 10 nations have suspended its usage in recent days due to reports of blood clots in rare instances, and two reports of deaths.

Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Bulgaria, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France and Spain had all suspended usage of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Germany, Italy, France and Spain had announced their suspensions on Monday, while the others had done so since Thursday.

Canada, however, is continuing to use the vaccine.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about the AstraZeneca vaccine while at a press conference in Montreal, touting electric buses. He said, “Health Canada, and our experts and scientists have spent an awful lot of time making sure that every vaccine approved in Canada is both safe and effective. Therefore, the best vaccine for you to take is the very first one that is offered to you. That is how we get through this as quickly as possible and as safely as possible, and quickly on the announcement of the day.”

He noted that Canada has not received vaccines from the batch of vaccine in Europe in question. Canada’s AstraZeneca vaccine is coming from India.

Asked about the developments with the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health responded with this emailed statement: “Health Canada and public health officials across Canada are aware of the adverse events reported in Denmark.

“European safety bodies are monitoring the adverse events, but are indicating at this time that the incidents do not indicate that the vaccine is unsafe.

“The UK, which has used AstraZeneca extensively, has not reported adverse effects beyond that which would be expected with any vaccine.

“We will continue to monitor but are not suspending our use of AstraZeneca at this point in time.”

The Opposition New Democratic Party said by email on March 15 it wouldn’t be commenting.

Asked when he would get vaccinated, Trudeau said he was glad that his mother was vaccinated last week. He said, “Over the coming weeks we're going to be receiving more than a million vaccines a week into Canada. Vaccinations are going to ramp up across the country and more and more essential workers are going to be able to get vaccinated. I'm focused on getting vaccines for as many Canadians as quickly as possible, not overly focused on when my turn will come. When it comes, I will gladly get vaccinated. But I will wait my turn.”