Overview of AstraZeneca’s Covishield Vaccine Controversy
In a recent revelation, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its Covid-19 vaccine ‘Covishield’ can, in very rare cases, lead to Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This admission has raised concerns and potential legal implications for the company.
Covishield and Rare Side Effects
- AstraZeneca, in collaboration with Oxford, developed the Covid-19 vaccine marketed under brand names such as ‘Covishield’ and ‘Vaxzevria’.
- The vaccine was first introduced in 2021 amidst the global pandemic, prompting questions about the safety of rushed vaccine distribution.
AstraZeneca’s Confession
Legal documents submitted to the UK High Court revealed AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of the rare potential of TTS caused by its vaccine. The company stated that the causal mechanism is not fully understood and that expert evidence is required to determine causation in individual cases.
Medical Claims Against the Company
- The first legal case against AstraZeneca was filed by Jamie Scott, who experienced severe side effects after receiving the vaccine, leading to a permanent brain injury.
- A total of 51 cases have been brought against the company, with claims totaling up to £100 million, alleging that the vaccine is defective and its efficacy overstated.
AstraZeneca Vaccine Side Effects
According to the World Health Organization, common side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine are typically mild and self-limiting. These include discomfort at the injection site, fatigue, fever, headaches, nausea, and muscle pain, occurring in less than 1 in 100 people.
Global Response to AstraZeneca’s Vaccine
Several countries, including Austria, Denmark, France, and Germany, suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine due to reported adverse effects, such as blood clots. This led to widespread concerns and regulatory actions across the globe.
