Health
AstraZeneca Acknowledges Rare Side Effect of Covishield Vaccine
AstraZeneca has officially recognized in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine, known as Covishield globally, may result in a rare side effect. Sold under various brand names like Vaxzevria, the vaccine-maker disclosed that in rare instances, Covishield can trigger a condition leading to blood clots and reduced platelet count.
The Serum Institute of India manufactured Covishield, extensively used in the country’s vaccination drives. AstraZeneca currently faces a class action lawsuit in the UK concerning allegations that its vaccine is linked to several fatalities and serious injuries.
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is the specific rare side effect associated with Covishield. This condition, also known as VITT or Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, involves the formation of blood clots and a decrease in platelet count. Blood clots within blood vessels can lead to reduced blood flow, while thrombocytopenia indicates a low platelet count, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting.
Researchers have established a direct correlation between the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and VITT, which is considered a subset of TTS. Although AstraZeneca has acknowledged the possibility of TTS, the distinction between TTS and VITT may not have been fully recognized by the company.
The legal battle initiated by Jamie Scott, who suffered permanent brain damage post receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021, has reached a critical juncture with AstraZeneca’s recent admission. The company admitted in submissions to the UK High Court that rare instances of TTS can be associated with its vaccine.
This significant development in the ongoing legal dispute sheds light on the potential risks linked to vaccination, paving the way for substantial compensations in cases involving vaccine-induced illnesses or fatalities. Despite acknowledging the rare side effect, AstraZeneca disputes claims regarding widespread vaccine defects or an overstatement of efficacy.
