Germany is the first European nation to resume vaccinations with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, after European regulators declared the benefits of the shot outweigh any potential risks.

A statement from the European Medicines Agency said Thursday the vaccine is safe, but it cannot rule out a link between the vaccine and a small number of rare blood clots reported in Denmark and Norway.

Health Canada has also weighed in on European concerns with the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.

In a release late Thursday night, Health Canada also confirms the benefits outweigh the risks.

Currently in Ontario, the AstraZeneca vaccine is being offered to people 60 to 64 in select pharmacies and doctors offices.