AstraZeneca Reverses Course, Acknowledges Covishield Can Cause Rare Side Effect

AstraZeneca Makes Big U-Turn, Admits Covishield Can Cause Rare Side Effect

In a surprising turn of events, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has admitted that its Covid vaccine, Covishield, can cause a rare side effect. According to a report by The Telegraph (UK), the vaccine-maker has acknowledged that in rare cases, Covishield can lead to a condition that causes blood clots and low platelet count.

Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, was produced by the Serum Institute of India and widely administered in the country during the pandemic. However, the vaccine is now facing a class action lawsuit in the UK, with victims in 51 cases seeking damages up to 100 million pounds over claims of deaths and severe injuries allegedly caused by the vaccine.

One of the complainants, Jamie Scott, claimed that he suffered a permanent brain injury after receiving the vaccine in April 2021, which has left him unable to work. AstraZeneca has contested the claims but admitted in court documents that Covishield can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition that leads to blood clots and low platelet count.

This admission marks a significant shift from the company’s previous stance, where it had denied any link between the vaccine and TTS. The latest development may lead to payouts to the victims and their families, as AstraZeneca faces scrutiny over the safety and efficacy of its vaccine.

Despite the controversy, AstraZeneca maintains that the vaccine is not defective and its efficacy is not vastly overstated. The case continues to unfold as more details emerge about the potential risks associated with Covishield.