UK-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Covishield, has reportedly acknowledged that its COVID vaccine can lead to rare side effects, including blood clots and low platelet count in humans.
As per a UK daily, AstraZeneca has informed a court that its COVID vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome), a condition associated with blood clots and reduced platelet count.
The report indicates that 51 cases have been filed in the UK High Court against AstraZeneca, with claimants seeking damages estimated to be up to GBP 100 million. Allegations in the class action lawsuits include deaths and severe injuries.
Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University during the pandemic, was produced by India’s Serum Institute of India and widely used in the country.
This development arises amidst concerns in India following an increase in sudden heart attacks. While the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has suggested, after a multi-centre study, that these deaths are unrelated to COVID vaccinations, AstraZeneca’s admission has reignited concerns.
Opposition parties have criticized the Narendra Modi government, questioning if this revelation was the reason for the significant electoral bond transactions between Serum Institute of India and the BJP.
Congress leader BV Srinivas questioned the government’s silence on the issue and its possible link to sudden heart attacks, alongside the BJP’s acceptance of electoral bonds worth Rs 50 crore from Serum Institute.
