KUALA LUMPUR – In a legal showdown, AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its Covid-19 vaccine, marketed under various brand names like Covishield, can trigger rare but severe side effects – including blood clotting.
This admission marks a significant development in a class-action suit against the pharmaceutical giant in the United Kingdom, where it is alleged that the vaccine has caused serious injuries and even fatalities, agency reports said.
For the first time, AstraZeneca conceded in court documents that its vaccine may lead to a rare condition known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), characterised by blood clots and low platelet counts.
This acknowledgement comes after extensive legal disputes and underscores the potential risks associated with vaccination.
The suit, initiated by individuals such as Jamie Scott, sheds light on the devastating effects of these rare side effects. Scott, who was 44 when he received a dose of the vaccination in 2021, suffered a permanent brain injury that year after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
AstraZeneca’s concession could pave the way for multimillion pound compensations on a case-by-case basis, though the company maintains its stance against widespread vaccine defects or exaggerated efficacy claims.
Despite its efficacy in combating the pandemic, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has faced regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges due to the emergence of these rare side effects.
In June 2022, the World Health Organisation affirmed the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine for individuals aged 18 and above.
The legal proceedings are still in progress, with a full court hearing expected to take place at least a year from now.
Additionally, another claim involving approximately 80 individuals who allege injury from the AstraZeneca vaccine is set to be launched later this year. However, it is anticipated that Mr. Scott’s case will be heard before this claim.
In a statement, AstraZeneca said: “Patient safety is our highest priority and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines.
“Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems.
“From the body of evidence in clinical trials and real-world data, Vaxzevria (the vaccine against Covid-19) has continuously been shown to have an acceptable safety profile and regulators around the world consistently state that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of extremely rare potential side effects.” – April 30, 2024