The Roll out of AstraZeneca Covid 19 Vaccine is yet to resume in Europe after the European Medical Agency (EMA) declared the jab “safe and effective”.

The announcement comes barely a few days after 13 countries in the region suspended the use of the vaccine over fears it is associated with high blood clot risks.

The EMA’s Chief Emer Cooke told the news conference on Thursday that the vaccine is safe after an investigation into the jab, stressing that its benefits outweigh the risks.

“This vaccine is safe and effective as it benefits in protecting people from the covid 19 with the associated risks of death”, he Cooke.

The agency’s investigations focused on a small number of cases of unusual blood clot disorder particularly venous thrombosis- blood clots in the head.

Following the review, countries including Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands are to resume the use of the vaccine with the France Prime Minister Jean Castex announcing new measures for his country.

The decision to suspend the rollout of AstraZeneca was heavily criticized by some politicians and scientists around the globe as it sparked concerns over the pace of the region’s vaccination drive which suffered supply shortage.