Italy recommends AstraZeneca COVID vaccine only for over-60s FILE PHOTO: Italy resumes AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations, in Turin ROME (Reuters) – Italy will from now on recommend the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine only for people over aged 60, the country’s top health adviser said after the European regulator found possible links between the vaccine and rare cases of blood clots. Health Minister Roberto Speranza took the decision following consultation with experts and “other institutional figures,” Franco Locatelli, head of Italy’s Superior Health Council, told reporters on Wednesday. Locatelli said people who had already taken a first dose of AstraZeneca could proceed with the second dose. Officials said the government was recommending that the product be avoided for under-60s but not prohibiting it.