The European Medicines Agency is expected to make a final decision today.

The rollout of the AstraZeneca jab to vulnerable people will not resume until next week if the European Medicines Agency gives it the all-clear today. The EMA is expected to make their final decision today on the safety of the vaccine after a handful of countries, including Ireland, paused the rollout due to a small number of people experiencing blood clots. Earlier this week AstraZeneca has said it has found "no evidence" of an increased blood clot risk in those vaccinated with its jab. Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn issued a statement over the weekend which read: "It has not been concluded that there is any link between the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and these cases. "However, acting on the precautionary principle, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland." If the EMA confirm the safety of the vaccine today, the HSE plans to begin immediate use of the vaccine, which was due to be administered this week to 30,000 healthcare workers and high-risk people with underlying medical conditions. Despite this, a HSE source told The Irish Times that it will still be next week before the vaccine rollout resumes as teams and stock supplies would have to be remobilised and that takes time.