Germany to Restrict AstraZeneca Use in Under-60s Over Clots

Germany to Restrict AstraZeneca Use in Under-60s Over Clots
A medical worker prepares an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during preparations at the vaccine center in Ebersberg near Munich, Germany, on March 22, 2021. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo
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BERLIN—German health officials agreed Tuesday to restrict the use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in people under 60, amid fresh concern over unusual blood clots reported in a number of those who received the shots.

Health Minister Jens Spahn and state officials agreed unanimously to only give the vaccine to people aged 60 or older, unless they belong to a high-risk category for serious illness from COVID-19 and have agreed with their doctor to take the vaccine despite the small risk of a serious side-effect.