EU agency says AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective."

Italy is to resume its AstraZeneca vaccination programme tomorrow, Friday 19 March, after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that the covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective." 

• AstraZeneca: Italy 'right to be cautious' says health minister

Welcoming the news, Italy's premier Mario Draghi said: "The administration of the Astrazeneca vaccine will resume as early as tomorrow," adding that the "government's priority remains carrying out the greatest number of vaccinations in the shortest possible time."

• Italy suspends AstraZeneca covid vaccine

The medicines regulator carried out its review after 13 EU states, including Italy, ordered the temporary suspension of the vaccine over fears of a possible link to blood clots.

• Covid-19: Italy to left-over vaccines to 'whoever is available' to avoid waste