Europe’s AstraZeneca pause threatens global vaccine rollout

A vial of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (AP)

The suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine in several European countries over the past week could fuel scepticism about the shot far beyond their shores – potentially threatening the rollout of a vaccine that is key to the global strategy to stamp out the coronavirus pandemic.

For developing nations, the choice is AstraZeneca or nothing, as the vaccine from the Anglo-Swedish drug maker is cheaper and easier to store than many others.