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VIENNA, Jan 31 (Reuters) - A panel of experts that advises
Austria's government on vaccines recommended on Sunday that
AstraZeneca's coronavirus jab only be given to people
aged 18 to 64 for the time being, national news agency APA
reported.
The decision, which follows a similar move in neighbouring
Germany, is a blow to the country's vaccination plan, which
focuses initially on risk groups such as the elderly. Austria is
acquiring vaccines through the European Union's purchase
agreements and relies heavily on AstraZeneca's drug.
"Due to the smaller (study sample) group size and the small
number of illnesses that occurred, no certain statement on
effectiveness for this age group (65 and over) is possible at
this time," APA quoted a paper by Austria's National Vaccination
Body as saying after the committee met on Sunday.
When more data was available, such as from studies currently
underway in the United States and Britain, a recommendation for
that age group could be possible, it added.
The government is due to review its vaccination plan in
light of the recommendation later in the week.
(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
