A doctor helping with the coronavirus response in Southend has echoed the thoughts of other experts and insists there is no direct link between the Covid vaccine and blood clots. 

Doctor Bharat Pankhania, who is a clinical lecturer at Exeter University, says it is most likely a "coincidence" that some people have experienced blood clotting after having the AstraZeneca jab. 

Several European countries have temporarily stopped using the jab amid concerns it has caused blood clotting in some people. 

Netherlands became the latest country to suspend use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine today over concerns about possible side-effects.

The Dutch government said the precautionary move will last until at least March 29, following a similar decision made by the Republic of Ireland.

Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand have all temporarily suspended their use of the AstraZeneca jab.

Professor Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford University vaccine group, is one of a number of experts to play down the link between the jab and blood clotting. 

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And Dr Pankhania, who has been helping Southend Council with its response to the pandemic, has also sought to reassure the public that the vaccine is safe. 

He told Sky News: "The essence is, this is most likely a coincidence, rather than it is related to the vaccine.

"The AstraZeneca/ Oxford group have looked at their records, over 10 million records, and found no link, no connection between recieving the vaccine and and possible clots. 

"Also, in the UK, we have immunised millions and not found any evidence that people who have been vaccinated get more clots compared to other people who have not been vaccinated. 

"I think this is a coincidence, there is not a connection and we must get our messaging right that you must get immunised. 

"It protects you and prevents you from getting seriously ill and it will save your life."

He added: "These vaccines have been tried and trialled and we are always looking for unexpected side effects. 

"On balance, it is better to be immunised and protected, rather than risk not being protected and get the infection. 

"With the infection, youmay get serious disease or long Covid, both of those are not what we want to happen to other people."

More than 11 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab have been administered in the UK. 

The Prime Minister was asked during a visit to Coventry for his views on news that Ireland and the Netherlands had paused the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine over fears of possible side effects.

Asked directly if he could tell the public that the vaccine is safe, Boris Johnson said: “Yes, I can. In the MHRA we have one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world.

“They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination programme… for either of the vaccines that we’re currently using.

“They believe that they are highly effective in driving down not just hospitalisation but also serious disease and mortality.

“We continue to be very confident about the programme and it’s great to see it being rolled out at such speed across the UK.”