Several countries, including Canada, Australia and Mexico said they will continue the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after multiple European nations announced a suspension on the vaccine due to the report of possible blood clots cases on Thursday.

"Health Canada is aware of reports of adverse events in Europe following immunization with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and would like to reassure Canadians that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh its risks," the Canadian health department said in a statement.

Canada received 500,000 AstraZeneca doses made at the Serum Institute of India last week, and expects to get 1.5 million more in by May.

"To date, no adverse events related to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine... have been reported to Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada," the statement said.

The federal government has ordered a total of 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and is due to receive 1.9 million through COVAX - the international initiative set up to provide equitable access to vaccines.

Mexico and Australia also stick to the plan.

Mexico's Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said on Thursday that Mexico will continue applying doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine even as some countries have suspended its use.

Australia's government said that while its pharmaceutical regulator was monitoring those cases, there would be no pause in the rollout of the vaccine.

"We're getting on with the vaccine, we're getting on with the rollout," Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told reporters in Melbourne.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine caused blood clots.

"We do take them seriously and investigate," Kelly said in an emailed statement, referring to the reports of blood clots.

Australia has secured about 54 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which Health Secretary Brendan Murphy this week described as the "the workforce vaccine for Australia", with 50 million to be locally produced.

(With input of agencies)