The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, FHI, recommends that the Astra Zeneca vaccine be removed from the vaccination program in Norway, said Minister of Health Bent Høie at a press conference today.
But the government wants to wait with a final decision and appoints an expert group to make an overall assessment of the risks of resuming vaccination.
Until further notice, Norway will not use the vaccine that has been paused in the country since 11 March.
- We do not have enough evidence to make a final decision.
We must assess the consequences for the health of the entire population, says Høie.
The expert group is tasked with submitting its report on 10 May.
They will also analyze the risks of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- Like FHI, I am worried about the serious side effects that can be linked to the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
But I am also worried about a postponement of the vaccination and what consequences it may have for the opening of Norwegian society, says Bent Høie.
Yesterday, the decision was made that Denmark chooses to remove Astra Zeneca's vaccine completely from its vaccination program.
The decision is justified by the level of the spread of infection in the country and that as a precautionary measure they do not currently want to be vaccinated with it.