The benefits of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risk of side effects, according to the European Medicines Agency.
Europe's health regulator says 'at present' there is no indication vaccination has caused the blood clot issues that have led to a number of countries suspending its use.
However, the EMA is continuing to review the "very rare" events, and are due to give another update on Thursday.
Emer Cooke, executive director of the EMA, today said they're still recommending the use of the jab in the meantime.
She said: "I want to stress that at present there is no indication that vaccine has caused these [clotting] conditions - they have not come up in the clinical trials, and they're not listed as known or expected side events.
“While the investigation is ongoing, we are still firmly convinced the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19 - with its associated risk of hospitalisations and death - outweigh the risk of side effects."
She said it's important that anyone who thinks they have a side effect after vaccination should contact local health officials.
She added that the EMA is taking the situation 'very seriously'.
Ireland suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Sunday, in the wake of a small number of cases reported by Norway.
Germany, France and Italy all temporarily paused their use of the vaccine yesterday.
Here, the Taoiseach has said he’s hopeful the country will be able to ‘catch up’ quickly with vaccinations after the 'hopefully temporary' pause.
