Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says about 60,000 medical workers are willing to take AstraZeneca jabs in the first wave of the government’s vaccination scheme; among them, 43% are frontline health care workers. Chen was speaking Tuesday at the Legislature.
A number of European countries have halted their AstraZeneca vaccination plans, citing a link to blood clots. They include Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
However, Chen said it is still believed that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe as there is no conclusive evidence to link it to blood clots. He said the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration will conduct testing of the vaccine Wednesday. A meeting will be held within two days after test results come out.
Meanwhile, the Central Epidemic Commander Center said people under 18 and those who are allergic to vaccines or develop severe allergic reactions after their first AstraZeneca jab should not get vaccinated. In addition, those with serious illnesses and who have a fever or infection should postpone getting vaccinated.