AstraZeneca In 2020, when the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic struck, the field of medical science dedicated itself to developing a vaccine to combat the virus. Research on preventive vaccines became the beacon of hope for billions of individuals confined to their homes. Despite the widespread loss of life worldwide, a vaccine was successfully developed in a remarkably short period. This vaccine was swiftly distributed globally. Nevertheless, some members of the scientific community expressed concerns about the expedited vaccine rollout, questioning the disregard for established safety protocols and emphasizing the importance of ensuring the long-term efficacy of the vaccines.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of concerns. AstraZeneca, a well-known producer of the Covid-19 vaccine that has been widely distributed, especially in India, acknowledged in legal papers for the first time that its vaccine may result in a rare and fatal side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
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What is the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine?
The AstraZeneca vaccine, also called AZD1222 or Covishield in India, is a viral vector vaccine created to provide protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for Covid-19.
How does the Covishield vaccine work?
Utilizing a modified form of the adenovirus, which is a common cold virus in chimpanzees, the vaccine carries the SARS-CoV-2 virus protein gene. This prompts the human immune system to generate antibodies and trigger T-cells to combat the virus upon subsequent exposure.
How was the AstraZeneca vaccine developed?
The AstraZeneca vaccine was created through a partnership between the University of Oxford and the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Scientists at the University of Oxford had been working on a vaccine technology involving adenovirus vectors for a number of years. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, they shifted their focus to developing a vaccine for the new coronavirus.
India’s role in AstraZeneca vaccine development
In January 2021, the Pune-headquartered pharmaceutical company Serum Institute of India (SII) formed a strategic alliance with AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford to produce the Covishield vaccine for India and other nations with low- and middle-income levels. By utilizing its advanced manufacturing facilities and knowledge in vaccine production, SII could mass-produce the vaccine to address the high demand in India and worldwide.
Distribution of Covishield in India
In India, the distribution of Covishield has been made possible through cooperation with the Indian government, state governments, and international collaborations like COVAX. By 2022, more than 1.7 billion doses of Covishield had been given in India as part of the largest vaccination program globally. The AstraZeneca vaccine, known for its easy storage requirements (up to 6 months) and wide availability, has been instrumental in vaccination drives worldwide, aiding India’s fight against Covid-19 and the quest for herd immunity.
What were the side effects of the Covishield vaccine?
The World Health Organisation outlines the potential side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which usually consist of mild to moderate short-term symptoms that are self-limiting. Reported common side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine include discomfort at the injection site, general malaise, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, sweating, abdominal pain, and fainting.
Where was the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine banned?
The AstraZeneca vaccine faced scrutiny and was prohibited in numerous countries. Denmark led the way in halting the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, with other countries such as Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo, and Bulgaria following suit. Following reports of blood clots in patients who received the vaccine, European nations like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain also ceased its usage in 2021. Canada, Sweden, Latvia, and Slovenia later joined in banning the vaccine that year. Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia also prohibited the vaccine due to safety concerns raised by the public. Despite this, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in March that the benefits of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine still outweighed the risks and recommended continuing vaccinations.
What is the new AstraZeneca controversy?
AstraZeneca acknowledged in court documents filed in a UK court in February that its vaccine can lead to a rare side effect called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). The company stated that the causal mechanism behind this occurrence is unknown. Additionally, the documents mentioned that TTS may occur even without vaccination, emphasizing the need for expert testimony to establish causation in each specific case. The multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Cambridge, UK is currently dealing with a class-action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine led to severe injuries and deaths.
What is TTS, the condition associated with the Covishield vaccine?
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a rare yet severe condition linked to specific Covid-19 vaccines, notably adenovirus vector vaccines like the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines. TTS is characterized by the development of blood clots alongside decreased platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). This condition typically manifests as blood clots in atypical sites such as the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen, coupled with reduced platelet counts. Symptoms of TTS include intense headache, vision problems, speech difficulties, chest discomfort, abdominal pain, breathing issues, and swollen legs, among other signs. TTS has been thought to result from an immune response triggered by the adenovirus vector used in the vaccines, which activates platelets and forms blood clots.
What did AstraZeneca say about the vaccine side effect?
AstraZeneca is currently under a class action lawsuit in the UK over allegations that its vaccine led to fatalities, with 51 cases filed against the company. In legal documents, AstraZeneca has acknowledged that Covishield may result in TTS (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) in extremely rare instances.
What is TTS?
Thrombosis with low platelets (TTS) is a rare yet serious condition of blood clots and low platelet count. TTS shows symptoms like severe headaches, belly pain, leg swelling, and breathing issues. Diagnosis includes blood tests for platelet levels and imaging for clots.
Treating TTS needs hospitalization, clot prevention through medication, and supportive care. IVIG and plasma exchange can help balance platelet levels and handle immune reactions. Doctors watch TTS patients closely due to risks like organ harm and death, stressing quick recognition and care for better results in this critical condition. TTS means blood clot with low platelets, often after specific vaccines. WHO mentions adenovirus vaccines linked to this. Dr. Jayadevan explains COVID shots save lives but rare clot risks are reported too.
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WHO’s 2023 report highlighted TTS as a new adverse event post-immunization with specific COVID-19 vaccines, including the AstraZeneca ChAdOx-1 and Johnson & Johnson Janssen Ad26.COV2-S vaccines. TTS is deemed a severe and life-threatening event, leading WHO to release emergency guidance to aid healthcare providers in identifying and addressing potential cases.
