Vaccine U-Turn The debate over the safety of AstraZeneca's vaccine appears to be edging toward its end. The European Medicines Agency is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday but yesterday reiterated its view that the benefits of the shot outweigh the risks, while raising worries that trust in vaccines may be impacted by the suspensions some European countries put in place. France and Italy's leaders both signaled potential U-turns on the issue, hinting they are willing to allow the shot again based on the regulator's final view. France is also considering weekend lockdown restrictions in Paris to contain the virus.