The news report published in United Kingdom about COVID-19 vaccine, which was administered in India under license branded as Covidshield, looks disturbing. The vaccine which was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and was widely administered across India and other low-and-middle-income countries may induce a condition resulting in blood clots and decreased platelet count, the symptoms pointing towards Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which also causes people to have blood clots and a low blood platelet count, it becomes necessary for the company to work on providing panacea to the affected people free of cost.
In this context, AstraZeneca has reportedly admitted for the first time in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine, sold globally under the brand names Covishield and Vaxzevria among others, may lead to a rare side-effect.
Reportedly, this vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, and the former is facing a class action lawsuit in the UK, alleging its vaccine led to fatalities and severe brain injuries in numerous instances. Victims in 51 cases filed in the UK High Court are pursuing damages totaling up to 100 million pounds. As per the reports, although AstraZeneca has been disputing the allegations, it has acknowledged in a legal filing submitted to the High Court in February that the vaccine can in very rare instances, lead to TTS. After the subtle submission by the aforesaid company in the UK, it becomes necessary for India as well to seek compensation for the victims after identifying the same because what is right in the UK should also be right in India.
There is one more thing of vital importance that the aforesaid vaccine is not in use in the UK now making it imperative for the Indian medical fraternity to take a right decision in the matter in the country so that no one is harmed of the side effect which the company has admitted in a case in UK court.
It is pertinent to mention that in a statement AstraZeneca has expressed sympathy for individuals who have lost loved ones or reported health problems. The company emphasized that patient safety is its highest priority, with regulatory authorities maintaining clear and stringent standards for the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines.
As AstraZeneca faces legal scrutiny and class action lawsuits in the UK, seeking damages for fatalities and severe injuries allegedly caused by the vaccine, India must also take proactive measures to address the situation domestically. The safety and health of every citizen must be paramount, and any adverse effects of vaccines should be addressed promptly and comprehensively.
