Scientists looking into a possible link between the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and blood clots have found no specific risk factors, including age, but they are continuing to carry out analysis, the EU's drug regulator has said on Wednesday.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will provide an "updated recommendation" on the controversial vaccine after its monthly meeting next week.

It comes after several countries including Germany and France limited use of the drugmaker's shot to certain populations at high risk, including older people and essential workers.

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The EMA reiterated that the vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks, but cautioned that people should be aware of the "remote possibility" of rare blood clots occurring and must seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.

"At present, the review has not identified any specific risk factors, such as age, gender or a previous medical history of clotting disorders, for these very rare events," the Amsterdam-based EMA said in a statement.

"A causal link with the vaccine is not proven, but is possible and further analysis is continuing."

The EMA statement came after experts met on Monday to discuss their latest findings on the AstraZeneca vaccine. Their comments will be discussed at the safety committee's meeting next week.

The watchdog reiterated the view it gave in a keenly anticipated statement on March 18, saying "its benefits in protecting people from COVID-19 with the associated risks of death and hospitalization outweigh the possible risks."