AstraZeneca admitted in a UK court document that its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield in India, may cause a rare side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This comes amidst a class-action lawsuit against the company alleging serious injuries and deaths linked to the vaccine.
AstraZeneca’s Admission and Lawsuit
The company stated that the vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS,” though the exact cause remains unknown. This admission is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. The lawsuit, filed last year, involves families who claim the vaccine caused devastating health problems, including a permanent brain injury suffered by one plaintiff.
What is TTS?
TTS is a rare condition characterized by blood clots (thrombosis) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Blood clots can occur in various body parts, including the brain and abdomen. Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 42 days after the first dose and include severe headaches, blurred vision, weakness, shortness of breath, and unexplained bruising.
Impact in India
The news comes as India, which manufactured Covishield through the Serum Institute of India, has administered over 1.7 billion doses – the highest globally. While the lawsuit focuses on claims abroad, it raises questions about potential risks associated with the vaccine.
Australia’s Approach
Australia offers a contrasting perspective. Citing the risk of TTS, particularly in younger people, they discontinued the AstraZeneca vaccine in March 2023.
AstraZeneca’s admission is likely to be a focus point in the ongoing lawsuit. While the risk of TTS is considered rare, this development highlights the importance of acknowledging the potential side effects of vaccines.
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