AstraZeneca Acknowledges Potential Side Effects of Covid Vaccine, Covishield Users Alerted

In a significant development, AstraZeneca, the maker of the Covid-19 vaccine, has conceded in the British High Court that its vaccine may lead to rare side effects such as Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), causing blood clotting in the body. This admission has sparked concerns, particularly among recipients of the vaccine under the name Covishield in India.

Acknowledgment in Court Documents

AstraZeneca’s admission of potential side effects was disclosed in documents presented in the British High Court. Despite acknowledging these side effects, the company is contesting claims linking the vaccine to specific diseases or adverse health effects.

Impact on India: Covishield under Scrutiny

The revelation holds profound implications for India, where the AstraZeneca vaccine, known locally as Covishield, has been administered extensively during the Covid-19 pandemic. Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India under license from AstraZeneca, Covishield played a pivotal role in India’s vaccination efforts and was exported to numerous countries worldwide. Additionally, the vaccine was marketed under the brand name Vaxzevria in several nations.

Legal Ramifications and Compensation Demands

The disclosure has spurred legal action, with individuals affected by the vaccine seeking compensation from AstraZeneca. Notably, the United Kingdom has suspended the use of the vaccine due to safety concerns. The admission by AstraZeneca may lead to an increase in the number of compensation claims.

Potential Legal Challenges in India

With the revelation, the likelihood of legal proceedings in India has also intensified. Following the surge in deaths post-Covid vaccination in India, largely attributed to unspecified physical ailments, the acceptance of side effects by AstraZeneca may initiate a wave of lawsuits in the country.

Expert Opinion and WHO’s Stand

Medical experts, including Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, have underscored the possibility of TTS occurring in rare cases after vaccination with certain vaccines. While WHO acknowledges the rarity of such conditions with adenovirus vector vaccines, concerns persist regarding the safety profile of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India, employs the viral vector platform and has been widely used in India’s vaccination efforts. Despite the lifesaving benefits of Covid vaccines, the acknowledgment of potential side effects underscores the importance of vigilance and ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety.*