Republic’s move to suspend use of vaccine is reckless and dangerous

THE Republic’s regulatory authorities, like others in the EU, are reckless in suspending use of the Astrazeneca/oxford vaccine and their actions are likely to result in the deaths of thousands.

There is zero evidence that the vaccine is connected to blood clots. Blood clots occur at a certain background level in the general population and there is simply no increase in the frequency of this condition in the Astrazeneca/oxford-vaccinated population. Neither is there any biological reason why there should be.

What is happening is that an individual has had a blood clot, then looked to the nearest life-event to blame it on. This is common.

For example, any of my patients who developed asthma in later life will blame it, for example, on the previous week’s installation of central heating, or that holiday in Portugal, or the wind coming from the north, or whatever. This is completely understandable and is a normal human response.

What is not understandable is the Republic of Ireland’s deputy chief medical officer taking the same position.

There is no doubt his actions will be seized upon by anti-vaxxers to spread doubt and distrust.

Thus encouraged by doctors who should know better, the same could happen to other vaccines. A very big mistake has been made.

Hats off to Dr Michael Mcbride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, for setting an example by publicly having the Astrazeneca/oxford vaccine on Monday.

DR GEOFFREY TODD

Consultant respiratory physician By email