The trial of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in children continues with no safety concerns, though we delayed new vaccinations this week as we awaited the outcome of a review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of very rare and unusual blood clots in adults.
Today the MHRA concluded its review of these very rare events and did not recommend any age restriction on the use of the vaccine. (MHRA Statement)
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, who provide scientific advice to the Department of Health, has suggested that on a precautionary basis, adults under 30 who are still unvaccinated should be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine, if available. (JCVI Statement)
Following this recommendation, we have decided that further vaccinations in the paediatric study will be postponed to allow us to have further discussions with the MHRA and the trial’s Data Safety Monitoring Board, but all other visits will continue in this important study. Parents and our young trial volunteers can contact their trial site for further information
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