Boris Johnson ‘happy’ to take either AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine when his turn comes

Downing Street insists no link between Oxford jab and blood clotting, despite suspension in some European countries

Boris Johnson is confident that both the AstraZeneca and Pfizervaccines against Covid-19 are “safe and effective” and would be willing to take either when he is called to get his jab, Downing Street has said.

The expression of faith in the vaccines came as some European nations - including the Republic of Ireland - temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca product after reports from Norway of a small number of vaccinated people who had developed serious blood clots.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said that the UK will not follow suit, pointing to advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency that the AZ vaccine “remains both safe and effective”.

“There is no evidence of any causal link between blood clots, and the AZ vaccine,” said the PM’s spokesman.

“Blood clots occur naturally, and there’s no evidence that they are any more likely to occur following vaccination.

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“The Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine remains both safe and effective and we urge anybody asked to come forward to receive a vaccine to do so.”

The spokesman said Mr Johnson, who is 56, is yet to be invited to have his jab, as vaccination teams continue to work through the 50-59 age group.

But he added that the PM will have no choice over the make of vaccine he receives and will take whichever he is offered.

“As soon as the prime minister is invited to come forward, he will take the vaccine,” said the spokesman.

“Like anybody, he will get whatever vaccine is available to him at the point where he goes and takes it.

“But he would be happy to take either.”

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon also said she will take either coronavirus vaccine “without hesitation” when she is invited.

Speaking at her regular coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Monday, the First Minister said there had been “no current evidence” linking the inoculation to blood clots.

“I personally am in the age group that will be vaccinated before mid-April, so I’m hoping to see my blue envelope appear at some point over the next couple of weeks,” said Ms Sturgeon.

“As soon as I get that invitation to go to be vaccinated, I will be there without hesitation, regardless of which of the vaccines I have been offered and I would urge anybody who is getting the invitation to come and be vaccinated to get vaccinated.

“It provides you, and people you love, and people that hopefully over the next weeks and months you’ll be interacting more with, with significant protection and that is really important.”