Italy to recommend AstraZeneca vaccine for over 60s

Italian health officials announced Wednesday that those over 60 years of age would be given preferential use of the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.

The decision was announced after consultations with other major EU countries and is similar to  Germany's decision not to routinely give the vaccine to people under 60 because of small amount of reported cases of blood clots in the days after the vaccination.

Officials said there would be no changes in administering the second doses to those who already received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Speaking at a news conference in Rome the head of Italy's drug regulator, Nicola Magrini, said that the incidences of clotting were "very rare, and need to be seen with modesty, calm and with caution".

"When there is something you don't understand, it is ok to stop and elaborate", he added.