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PARIS, March 1 (Reuters) - People in France aged over 65
with existing health problems can be given the AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccine, France's health minister said on
Monday, departing from Paris's earlier stance that the vaccine
should be for under-65s only.
When the AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use by
European Union regulators, France mandated it would only go to
eligible people under 65 because data from trials in older age
groups was limited.
French President Emmanuel Macron was quoted as telling
journalists the AstraZeneca vaccine was "quasi-effective" for
over-65s. That position contrasted with Britain, which was first
to roll out the AstraZeneca vaccine and approved it for use in
all age categories.
Since that decision, more data from trials has shown the
efficacy of the vaccine, while France has also struggled with a
shortage of vaccines from its other suppliers, Pfizer
and Moderna.
Speaking to broadcaster BFMTV, French Health Minister
Olivier Veran said: "Anybody aged 50 or over who is affected by
co-morbidities can get the AstraZeneca vaccine, including those
between 65 and 74."
People aged 75 and over would continue to get the Pfizer and
Moderna vaccines only, Veran said.
(Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraten; Writing by Christian
Lowe; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
