Germany's AstraZeneca move could stymie recovery, economists say

Germany’s decision to suspend AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine could delay progress in reaching herd immunity and postpone a much-hoped for easing of lockdown measures needed for a robust recovery in the second quarter, economists said on Tuesday. Health Minister Jens Spahn described Monday’s move on the AstraZeneca shot as a precaution, making Germany the latest of several European countries to hit pause following reports of blood coagulation disorders in some recipients. The government’s decision was based on a recommendation from the politically independent Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), Germany’s authority in charge of vaccines, following newly registered cases of a very rare cerebral vein thrombosis, including three deaths.