Spain widens use of AstraZeneca vaccine as cases rise again

A man receives an injection with AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre, at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid, Spain, March 31, 2021. REUTERS/Susana Vera

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain said on Wednesday it would extend the use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to essential workers over 65 years old to cater to previously excluded groups at a time when infections are rising again across most regions.

Health Minister Carolina Darias told a news conference Spain would take delivery of 1 million doses of the shots on Thursday, and that the government was on track to hit a target of vaccinating 70% of the population this summer.