AstraZeneca has announced the global discontinuation of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a surplus of newer vaccine options amid the pandemic. This decision follows a decline in demand for the vaccine, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied. The move comes in the wake of reports linking the vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, to rare cases of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a blood clot-related side effect.
Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech, amidst concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine, released a statement affirming the safety of its Covaxin. In India, where the AstraZeneca vaccine is marketed as Covishield, legal action has been initiated against the Serum Institute of India (SII), which produces Covishield. A plea has been submitted to the Supreme Court, urging the establishment of a medical expert panel to investigate Covishield’s side effects and risks, as well as the creation of a vaccine damage payment system for those severely affected.
This legal action follows the tragic death of Karunya, who passed away in July 2021 after receiving the Covishield vaccine. With over 1.75 billion doses of Covishield administered in India, concerns over adverse reactions have intensified. Advocate Vishal Tiwari, representing the plaintiffs, highlighted an increase in deaths attributed to heart attacks and sudden collapses post-vaccination. SII now faces legal scrutiny as families seek accountability for vaccine-related incidents.
