AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company behind the AZD1222 vaccine, known as Covishield in India, has acknowledged potential risks associated with its vaccine.
The company admitted that in rare instances, the vaccine could lead to low platelet counts and the formation of blood clots, a condition known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).
This acknowledgment came to light during a lawsuit in the United Kingdom, where AstraZeneca is being sued over health claims related to the vaccine.
The UK-based media reported cases of individuals experiencing severe adverse effects, including permanent brain injuries, after receiving the vaccine.
Symptoms of TTS include breathlessness, chest or limb pain, skin bruising beyond the injection site, headaches, and numbness.
The condition can result in serious complications such as stroke or heart attack due to blood flow restriction.
These concerns are not new, as similar issues prompted temporary halts in AstraZeneca vaccine use in several European countries.
In India, the government issued cautionary advice regarding Covishield administration to individuals with low platelet counts.
Despite these rare occurrences, health authorities emphasize the overall benefits of vaccination in combating COVID-19. The Union Health Ministry in India highlighted Covishield’s positive benefit-risk profile and its effectiveness in preventing infections and reducing mortality rates.