Covid: Norway advised to exclude AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from rollout
Elements of both jabs are made with similar technology
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A panel of experts has advised the Norweigan government not to use Covid-19 vaccines made by Johnson & Johnson and Oxford/AstraZeneca in its inoculation programme.
Ministers earlier this year suspended use of the AstraZeneca injection amid fears over extremely rare but potentially dangerous blood clots.
In an announcement on Monday, the panel said neither jab should be used after a number of cases of blood clots in people who had been inoculated.
Norway's Institute of Public Health (FHI) also on Monday advised the government against using the Johnson & Johnson shot in its programme, citing similar evidence.
The FHI previously recommended against including Oxford/AstraZeneca's injection.
In a statement, Norway's department of health said it would use the advice to come to a final decision on jab use.
"On Monday 10 May, Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie received the expert committee's report on the use of virus vector vaccines in Norway," the statement said.
"The report recommends that the vaccines from AstraZeneca and Janssen not be used in the Norwegian coronary vaccination program.
"The committee recommends making the vaccines available outside the program, but is divided on the criteria on which such use should be based."
It was not immediately clear when a final decision is set to be made.
Norway, which like neighbouring Denmark has been very cautious with all vaccines, suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine on 11 March.
Both the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca shots are made with similar technology.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments