The scaremongering over the Oxford vaccine may start to have an impact on UK vaccination rates, some doctors have warned.

GPs spoke of some patients being concerned about the suspension of the use of the vaccine in Europe. The European Medicines Agency is expected to release today the findings of its review of the vaccine. The EMA has said there is no evidence linking it to increased incidence of thromboembolism. Medical leaders across the world appealed to the public and national leaders to follow the science and continue vaccination programmes.

Speaking to The Times, GP Dr Sarah Jarvis said about 10% of patients booked for vaccination were “just not showing up to their appointments or [trying] to cancel them or postpone them or ringing up to check whether they’re getting the Pfizer vaccine or AstraZeneca.”

Dr Penelope Toff, co-chair of the British Medical Association’s public health committee, said: “Given the enormous lifesaving benefits of the vaccine we should be continuing to encourage people to get both first and second doses of the Astra-Zeneca and Pfizer jab. It is vital to retain perspective and acknowledge the dreadful death toll from this virus as well as the lives that have and will continue to be saved as a result of the vaccination programme. It’s important to note the views of our own regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the World Health Organisation and the European Medicines Agency, who are still advocating that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is safe for use.”

Royal College of GPs chair Professor Martin Marshall said: “The public should be reassured that whilst these new vaccines were developed and approved at speed, no corners were cut and patient safety has been, and remains, paramount. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has been unable to confirm that the reports of blood clots were caused by the vaccine and is advising people to get their vaccine when asked to do so. The message we are hearing back from our GP members is that patients are following this advice, and GPs and our teams are continuing with the vaccination effort to ensure that as many people as possible are protected, as quickly as possible.”