A panel of experts has told the Food and Drug Safety Ministry that AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine can be administered to all adults, including seniors over 65.

The ministry has disclosed the outcome of an advisory meeting held Sunday with eight doctors and experts to verify the safety and efficacy of the vaccine developed by the British-Swedish firm. 

In particular, they reviewed data concerning seniors, following controversy that AstraZeneca's vaccine was less effective in older people.

The experts concluded that preventive effects were found in all test groups including those 65 and older, and immune reactions following vaccination reported among seniors were similar to those of other adults. Overall, the two-dose AstraZeneca vaccine had 62 percent efficacy in the test groups.

The panel recommended the authorization of the vaccine on the condition that a final report on clinical trials is submitted. The drug safety ministry will now move on to its next advisory consultation phase for vaccine approval.