AstraZeneca, the creator and producer of the Covishield Covid vaccine, has made a surprising confession by acknowledging the potential occurrence of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) as a potential side effect. This acknowledgment has ignited conversations on various social media platforms regarding the vaccine’s safety. Although it is important to address concerns, it is equally vital to differentiate between accurate information and unfounded claims.
Is Covishield risky? The Claims
The Indian government has been criticized in several social media posts for allowing Covishield, with claims that it endangers people with TTS. Nevertheless, a fact-check conducted by The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) has shown that although there is a potential risk of TTS, it is extremely uncommon.
What’s TTS?
TTS, also known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, is a severe medical condition marked by a decrease in platelet count and the development of blood clots. Common symptoms of TTS encompass difficulty in breathing, chest discomfort, migraines, and susceptibility to bruising. AstraZeneca has recognized an uncommon association between its vaccine and TTS.
Link with Covishield.
Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India, is essentially the same as AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Both vaccines belong to the category of adenovirus vector vaccines and have demonstrated an efficacy of 60-80% against Covid-19.
Is the side effect of TTS exclusively associated with the Covishield vaccine?
The TTS phenomenon is not limited to AstraZeneca’s vaccine alone; it is also linked to Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. This correlation has been emphasized in previous studies. Most vaccines, including these, may cause mild side effects like temporary fever and pain. Nevertheless, these effects are transient. Healthcare experts generally maintain that the advantages of vaccines outweigh their potential side effects.
Based on information provided on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, vaccines are generally considered safe. While vaccines, like any medication, may lead to side effects, these are typically mild and short-lived, such as a slight arm discomfort or low-grade fever. Although more severe side effects are a possibility, they are exceedingly rare.
Do you need to be concerned?
To some extent, yes. However, there is no need to be alarmed. It is worth highlighting that Covishield, the Indian version of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, is the most widely used vaccine in India. Cases of TTS in India have been minimal. If there were widespread deaths due to TTS after vaccination, they would have received media coverage.
It is important to note that Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), which includes vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), is an extremely rare side effect, mainly seen after the first dose of the vaccine.
Claims that all Indians are at risk of TTS and blaming the government for it are exaggerated and misleading.
The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a member of the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN), provides accurate information on vaccines. THIP has fact-checked various claims circulating on social media about COVID-19 vaccines, debunking allegations that vaccines are harmful, damaging to the brain, or more harmful than preventive measures.
What should I do if I experience uncommon side effects?
Dr. Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, emphasized that although vaccinations have been proven highly effective and safe in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a small possibility of rare adverse effects such as TTS and VITT. It is important to detect and intervene early in order to effectively manage such cases.
According to Dr. Jayadevan, these adverse effects are uncommon and typically occur after receiving specific types of vaccines or due to other factors. Additionally, cases of TTS usually become apparent within a few weeks after vaccination. Therefore, it is recommended to stay vigilant and seek medical advice if any symptoms of TTS are experienced.
While mild side effects after vaccination are normal and temporary, serious adverse effects are rare occurrences.