Spain’s health ministry announced Tuesday that it was extending the roll-out of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the over-65s, after recent scientific reassurances about its safety.
The vaccine, restricted until now to the 55-to-65 age group, will now be made available to over-65s in priority groups such as health workers, police officers or teachers.
“In respect of the AstraZeneca vaccine, given the new scientific evidence … the age limit is raised,” said a ministry statement Tuesday evening.
Spain was among a number of European Union countries that suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this month after reports of blood clots in a very small number of people.
But they resumed its use last week after the both the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency gave the vaccine a clean bill of health.
Several countries are nevertheless taking precautions.
Germany said Tuesday it should only be in general use for the over-60s: anyone under that age could only take it after consulting with their doctor about the risks.
Spain has already cleared other vaccines for use among the over 65s.
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