Covishield and Heart Risks: Separating Fact from Fear

New Delhi. In a recent revaluation, UK-based AstraZeneca has admitted for the first time in court that its Covid vaccine can lead to a rare blood clotting condition. This was a crucial moment in a class action lawsuit brought by families who allege harm caused by the pharmaceutical giant’s vaccine.

The admission comes amidst legal proceedings triggered by claims of serious health complications, including deaths, allegedly caused by the vaccine. Lawyers representing dozens of claimants assert that some cases could result in compensation payouts totaling up to 20 million pounds.

Rare blood clotting condition

AstraZeneca acknowledged in a legal document that its vaccine can cause thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), characterized by blood clot formation alongside low platelet levels crucial for clotting. This condition was previously known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

Previous side effects of AstraZeneca

This exceedingly rare complication has been listed as a potential side effect of the jab. AstraZeneca's admission may lead to individual settlements for those impacted by this adverse reaction.

Legal stance and implications

The admission represents a major shift from previous denials and places potential compensation responsibility on UK taxpayers. This is due to an indemnity deal AstraZeneca had with the government during the pandemic peak, aimed at expediting vaccine production while protecting the pharmaceutical company from legal liability.

Despite legal challenges, AstraZeneca gained financial success, with revenues exceeding 10 billion pounds in the first quarter of 2024. While expressing sympathy for affected individuals, the company reaffirmed its commitment to safety standards and emphasized regulatory authorities’ stringent safety measures.

Less than a year after its initial approval, AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine was distributed to 170 countries worldwide in two billion doses.