In a significant move amidst the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced the withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, from the global market. This decision comes as a response to a surplus of newly updated vaccines and a decline in demand for the AstraZeneca product.
The company cited the emergence of multiple variant COVID-19 vaccines as a key factor in the surplus of available alternatives. With newer and more refined vaccines now widely accessible, the demand for Vaxzevria has decreased, prompting AstraZeneca to cease its manufacturing and distribution globally.
This decision follows recent revelations regarding potential rare side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. AstraZeneca acknowledged that in very rare instances, its COVID-19 vaccine may lead to Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition characterized by blood clotting and low platelet levels. However, the causal link between the vaccine and TTS remains unclear.
The admission of potential side effects came to light through a legal document submitted by AstraZeneca to the High Court in London. This document was part of a group action initiated by 51 claimants who alleged adverse reactions to the vaccine.
In India, where the AstraZeneca vaccine is marketed under the brand name Covishield and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII), similar concerns have surfaced. An application was filed in the Supreme Court urging the establishment of a medical expert panel to examine the side effects of the Covishield vaccine.
Advocate Vishal Tiwari, representing the petitioners, called for the formation of a medical expert panel comprising specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi, under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court justice. The panel would assess the risks associated with the Covishield vaccine and its potential impact on public health.
Tiwari also advocated for the implementation of a vaccine damage payment system to provide compensation for individuals who suffer severe disabilities as a result of vaccination during the pandemic. The plea emphasized the importance of addressing the growing concerns surrounding vaccine safety and ensuring accountability for adverse reactions.
