France PM wants to boost confidence in AstraZeneca jab

France's prime minister said on Tuesday he wants to boost confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine by getting a jab as soon as his government authorises its use again.

The nation suspended AstraZeneca jabs on Monday while it waits for the European regulator to clear up any doubts about possible side effects.

At age 55 and with no known underlying health problems, Prime Minister Jean Castex is not, strictly speaking, among the groups yet eligible for vaccination in France, which has prioritised injections for the most vulnerable.

But speaking to broadcaster BFMTV, Castex said he wants to get an AstraZeneca injection to set an example.

Castex added that he wants to demonstrate to his fellow citizens "that vaccination is the exit door from this crisis."

The prime minister also clearly prepared the Paris region for the prospect of a lockdown, seemingly along the lines of those in the Pas de Calais and the Alpes Maritime, although he did not give specifics.

He said the prospect of a lockdown is on the table and that the proposed measure would be discussed in a government meeting on Wednesday.