Spain expands AstraZeneca age cap to 69, maintains suspension for under 60s
Those already with first dose given but outside the new age range could either be given a second with a different jab or not be vaccinated again
Spain has expanded the age cap for those allowed to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine to 69 while maintaining the suspension of the jab for under 60s, as agreed on Wednesday evening with regional governments.
The shift in age cap is aimed at completing the vaccination of the most vulnerable people "as soon as possible".
The Spanish committee for public health set on Thursday evening the new age range while not clarifying the procedure for those under 60 who already have one dose of the jab.
Health minister Carolina Darias said on Wednesday two options are on the table: not vaccinating again those under 60 with one dose, or using another brand for the second dose.
Regarding this group, the committee for public health says that it will communicate a strategy "soon" based on “scientific evidence, the assessments of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and in communication with other countries of the European Union."
On Wednesday, the EMA concluded that the thrombosis detected in some who have received the vaccine may be “an infrequent side effect” of the jab. The EMA found a "possible link" between a small number of cases of thrombosis with low platelet levels and the Oxford vaccine.
Yet, the institution made clear that "the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19 outweigh the risks of side effects."