"It is, without question, a blow - that one of the vaccines we have in this pandemic for a certain age group poses an increased risk," Spahn told reporters.
His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
Changes in the recommendations of the German regulator on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine have "two sides", the minister said.
“This shows that citizens can rely on the fact that vaccines approved in Germany are actively monitored and that the results of this observation are transparent and discussed in a transparent manner.
This shows that the decision of the week before last, when we received the first information ... that there is a possible connection between AstraZeneca vaccinations and this rare and rather specific form of cerebral thrombosis, which was correct - to suspend (vaccination), ”he said.
He stressed that now the vaccination of people over 60 years old "can go more intensively."
“We agreed that the land could use this drug to extend its vaccination campaign to people aged 60 to 69,” Spahn said.
From March 31, Germany will use the AstraZeneca vaccine only for vaccinations for people over 60 years old.
In mid-March, France's Higher Directorate of Health (HAS) also recommended that AstraZeneca should be used only for people over 55 because of the "possible increased risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation and cerebral thrombophlebitis" in younger patients.