Denmark is investigating reports of blood clots after AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations

The Danish Medicines Agency announced that it is investigating the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after reports of blood clots.

In collaboration with the European Medicines Agency, the Danish Medicines Agency launched the investigation as it considers there to be a reason to look into the circumstances further after cases in which citizens developed blood clots shortly after being vaccinated. One report relates to a death, according to a news release.

Denmark’s National Board of Health has suspended further vaccinations in the country with AstraZeneca’s vaccine until the study results are available out of precaution. The EMA recently stated that there is no indication the vaccine is related to the blood clots, though, according to a BBC report.

“We do not yet know whether the blood clots and the Danish death are due to the vaccine, but it must now be thoroughly examined for safety,” Danish Medicines Agency unit manager Tanja Erichsen said in the release.

The agency warned citizens who have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca’s vaccine within the last 14 days and experienced prolonged symptoms that they should go to the doctor. Those with new symptoms within 14 days should also contact a doctor.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been put on hold in other countries, including Denmark’s neighbors, Norway and Iceland. Others have suspended use, too, including South Africa, which last month halted the vaccine’s use after a small study showed it was ineffective against a COVID-19 variant widely circulating there.