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Amid growing concerns surrounding potential rare side effects of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, the pharmaceutical giant on Wednesday re-affirmed its stance on vaccine safety. “Patient safety is our highest priority, and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines,” an AstraZeneca spokesperson stated.
The company’s assurance comes days after it accepted that its Covid vaccines Covishield and Vaxzevria can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) – characterized by blood clots and low platelet counts. AstraZeneca admitted this in a legal document submitted to the High Court in February. However, it noted that TTS can occur without vaccination, adding that expert testimony is required to determine causation in each case.
Despite this, AstraZeneca maintained that extensive trial data and real-world evidence consistently support the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. The stance holds significance as the Covishield vaccine, manufactured by India’s Serum Institute, was aggressively promoted by PM Modi and the BJP government, who took credit for its rapid rollout. Incidentally, Serum Institute had donated ₹52 crores to the BJP via electoral bonds.
PM Modi also rolled out free Covishield vaccines for all citizens, a move that has outraged many netizens in light of the safety concerns.
Lawsuits Against AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is fighting a class-action lawsuit alleging its Covid vaccine led to deaths and serious injuries. The suit began with Jamie Scott, who claimed he developed a brain bleed and impairment after taking the vaccine in April 2021. A total of 51 cases have been filed, with victims and families demanding damages exceeding 100 million euros.
While India’s drug regulator has investigated cases of adverse events, no direct causal link has been established so far. However, the lawsuits and AstraZeneca’s own admission highlight the need for continued vigilance on potential side effects of vaccines promoted so emphatically by the government.