AstraZeneca made an announcement on Tuesday that it is globally withdrawing the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, weeks after acknowledging its potential rare side effects. The decision to remove the vaccine from the market is based on commercial reasons, as updated vaccines that can effectively target new variants have replaced it. The vaccine’s “marketing authorisation” has been voluntarily withdrawn in the European Union since March 5, with the withdrawal taking effect on Tuesday.
AstraZeneca is currently facing a class action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine caused death and serious injury, including a condition called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which leads to blood clots and low blood platelet count. However, AstraZeneca has stated that the withdrawal is unrelated to the court case or the admission of the vaccine’s potential to cause TTS, emphasizing that it is purely coincidental timing. The vaccine, known as AZD1222, was developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with the University of Oxford in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. It was manufactured and supplied as “Covishield” in India and other low- and middle-income countries by the Serum Institute of India (SII) under a license from the university and AstraZeneca.
Report on ‘rare’ side effects:
AstraZeneca acknowledged in a legal document filed with the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine can, in extremely rare instances, lead to TTS.
Legal representatives contended that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is flawed and that its effectiveness has been greatly exaggerated. AstraZeneca vehemently refuted these allegations.
Up to now, 51 cases have been brought before the High Court, with affected individuals and bereaved family members seeking compensation amounting to an estimated £100 million, as reported by The Telegraph.
As per the report, Sarah Moore, a partner at the law firm Leigh Day handling the legal claims, stated, “Unfortunately, it appears that AZ, the Government, and their legal representatives are more interested in playing strategic games and accumulating legal costs than in addressing the severe impact that their AZ vaccine has had on our clients’ lives.” In response to these allegations, AstraZeneca mentioned, “We extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones or experienced health issues. Patient safety is our top priority, and regulatory authorities have strict and clear standards to ensure the safe usage of all medications, including vaccines.”