Germany, France and Italy have joined a growing list of nations that have halted the AstraZeneca jab over blood clot fears, a blow to a global vaccine drive aimed at ending the pandemic.

Ireland and the Netherlands both halted the use of the jab over the weekend, and today, a Dutch drug watchdog said there were potentially 10 cases of blood clots linked to the vaccine.

Germany, France and Italy followed suit, despite still worrying levels of infections in all three countries.

According to AFP, AstraZeneca and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have both said the vaccine is safe for use and there is no reason to stop rolling it out.