British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has conceded that its COVID-19 vaccine may lead to a rare side effect, as reported by The Telegraph. The vaccine has been linked to a condition causing blood clots and low platelet count, according to court documents, potentially opening the door for significant legal compensation.
The revelation comes amidst ongoing legal action against the company, with claims that its vaccine, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, has resulted in deaths and serious injuries, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This condition, characterized by blood clots and reduced platelet levels, has prompted concerns over the safety of the vaccine.
AstraZeneca’s vaccine, known as AZD1222, was developed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Manufactured and distributed under the name “Covishield” in India and other low- and middle-income countries by the Serum Institute of India (SII), it has been a cornerstone of global vaccination efforts.
While contesting the allegations, AstraZeneca reportedly admitted in a legal filing submitted to the High Court in February that its COVID vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS.” This acknowledgment has fueled claims of vaccine defectiveness and overstated efficacy by lawyers representing affected individuals and families.
The Telegraph reports that 51 cases have been filed in the High Court, seeking damages estimated to reach £100 million. Among the plaintiffs is Jamie Scott, whose case in 2023 marked the first legal challenge against AstraZeneca. Scott, left with a permanent brain injury following vaccination, has become a focal point in the debate surrounding vaccine safety and accountability.
In response to the mounting legal pressure, AstraZeneca has vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining its stance that TTS is not a generic consequence of its vaccine. Despite assurances from the company, concerns over the safety profile and efficacy of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine persist, underscoring the complex and contentious landscape of COVID-19 vaccination efforts worldwide.
