A recent report by The Telegraph (UK) has brought to light an admission by British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca regarding rare side effects associated with its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield. According to court documents, the vaccine can, in rare cases, lead to a condition causing blood clots and a low platelet count.
Covishield, a product of collaboration between AstraZeneca and Oxford University, was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and widely administered in the country. However, concerns have arisen over its safety profile, prompting legal action against AstraZeneca in the UK.
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A class action lawsuit filed in the UK High Court by victims in 51 cases alleges that the vaccine has resulted in deaths and severe injuries, with damages sought amounting to 100 million pounds. Despite these claims, the UK government, which has shielded AstraZeneca from legal action, has not yet intervened in the matter.
The focal point of the controversy revolves around the admission made by AstraZeneca regarding the vaccine's potential to cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in very rare cases. TTS, characterized by blood clots and a low platelet count, poses significant health risks to individuals receiving the vaccine.
Jamie Scott, the first complainant in the lawsuit, alleges that he suffered a permanent brain injury due to a blood clot after receiving the Covishield vaccine in April 2021. AstraZeneca's admission in court documents acknowledges the potential link between the vaccine and TTS, albeit in very rare instances.
Following the viral spread of a concerning report, individuals in Guwahati have expressed concerns over their health conditions.
Talking to GPlus, Srijeeta Sarma, a 25-year-old said, "Ever since I took the Covishield second dose, my entire body started paining, with a pinning sensation in my nerves. A few days back, I was diagnosed with spondylitis and gastric issues. It feels like having a stroke."
Similarly, Akashdeep Das, a resident in Chandmari, recounted his hospitalization after receiving the Covishield vaccine. He said, "The results showed that I have a blood clotting problem and had to take several injections,"
Garima Das expressed anguish over her father's health deterioration post-vaccination, stating, "My dad developed Thrombocytopenia after his second dose. He's still in treatment, enduring monthly blood tests, multiple hospitalizations, and a lifetime of medication. Who takes responsibility for ordinary people like us? It's an autoimmune disease, so rare and incurable. All we can do is hope for accountability from those responsible. I wish I could do more for him."
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However, Dr. Abhijit Sharma, the superintendent of GMCH, attempted to allay fears, describing the situation as a "hypothetical theory."
He said, "It is a hypothetical theory. Proper trials have to be done and should look into the facts. People should not panic here."
