Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine trial on children paused due to a possible link to rare blood clots

The Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine trial on children has been paused as the UK regulator investigates a potential link to rare blood clots in adults.

A trial of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine on children has been paused (Shutterstock).

Regulators at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are currently investigating the potential association between the jab and a rare form of blood clot.

A spokesperson from the University of Oxford said in a statement: "Whilst there are no safety concerns in the paediatric clinical trial, we await additional information from the MHRA on its review of rare cases of thrombosis/thrombocytopaenia that have been reported in adults, before giving any further vaccinations in the trial.

"Parents and children should continue to attend all scheduled visits and can contact the trial sites if they have any questions."

Approximately 3,000 volunteers have signed up for the trial which is assessing whether the jag creates a strong immune response in children between the ages of six and 17.

The trial began in February this year.

An update from the European Medicines Agency and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), are expected in the coming days.

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