AstraZeneca Admits Covishield Vaccine Can Cause Rare Blood Clots in UK Lawsuit

AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, has acknowledged in court documents that its COVID-19 vaccine can cause uncommon adverse reactions, known as Covishield in India, can cause rare side effects such as blood clots and low platelet count. The admission comes as part of a class action lawsuit filed in the UK, where plaintiffs are seeking damages of nearly £100 million for alleged deaths and severe injuries caused by the vaccine.

The lawsuit, involving 51 claimants, asserts that the Covishield vaccine led to serious negative events, including fatal blood clots. While AstraZeneca initially denied the vaccine causes such side effects, the company has now admitted in legal filings that the jab can, in very rare cases, cause a condition called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). TTS is characterized by unusual blood clotting events accompanied by low blood platelet levels, which can be life-threatening.

According to data from the UK, there have been 443 reported cases of TTS and 81 deaths following vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the company maintains that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of these extremely uncommon adverse reactions. The World Health Organization had previously stated that while Covishield can have such adverse reactions in rare instances, the advantages of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 infections far exceed the risks.

Why this matters: The admission by AstraZeneca highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, even as they have played a critical role in combating the pandemic. The rare but serious side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine emphasize the significance of robust monitoring and transparent communication to maintain public trust in vaccination efforts.

AstraZeneca has expressed sympathy for anyone who has experienced health problems or lost loved ones, emphasizing that patient safety remains their highest priority. The company stated, "We are unable to comment on ongoing legal matters, but patient safety is our highest priority and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines." As the class action lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen how the legal system will evaluate the claims and evidence presented by both sides.

Key Takeaways

• AstraZeneca admits its COVID-19 vaccine can cause rare side effects like blood clots.
• A UK lawsuit alleges the Covishield vaccine led to serious negative events, including deaths.
• AstraZeneca now acknowledges the vaccine can cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.
• UK data shows 443 TTS cases and 81 deaths after AstraZeneca vaccination.
• AstraZeneca maintains vaccine benefits outweigh risks, but lawsuit challenges this claim.