The AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine does not cause blood clots, Biddulph's doctors surgery has said in a message to residents.

The surgery posted yesterday to reassure residents that blood clots are not linked to the vaccine following "concerns" about blood clots.

The surgery said that evidence "does not suggest" that the vaccine causes blood clots and added that the number of blood clots occurring in the population are currently at natural levels despite the vaccine being rolled out.

They also urged people to get vaccinated as soon as it's their turn and noted that the vaccines are "safe and offer high levels of protection".

A spokesperson said: "The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are closely reviewing reports regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clotting but the evidence available does not suggest the vaccine is the cause. All vaccines approved by the MHRA have been robustly tested and are safe.

"Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. More than 11 million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca have now been administered across the UK, and the number of blood clots reported after having the vaccine is not greater than the number that would have occurred naturally in the vaccinated population.

"Local clinicians are encouraging people to book their vaccine as soon as they are offered it and are urging people to get their COVID-19 vaccine when they are invited without delay. Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent our vaccination centres continue to use the Pfizer and AstraZeneca both of which are approved for use by the MHRA and have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection. The vaccine you will be given will be informed by whichever is available at your location and patients are not able to request a particular brand of vaccine based on their preference.

"The MHRA are working closely with international counterparts in understanding the global safety experience of COVID-19 vaccines and on the rapid sharing of safety data and reports. Further details, can be found within the latest Government statement and advice published on 11 March.

"The MHRA continues to encourage people to report any suspicion or concern they have beyond the known, mild side effects on the Coronavirus Yellow Card site."

Around 30 million people in the UK have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, with the Government aiming to offer a first does to around 32 million people in its top nine priority groups by mid-April, with these groups accounting for almost 90% of deaths.

Those aged 50 and above are now being invited to book appointments.