Amid concerns about Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a rare side effect of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (sold as Covishield in India), the Serum Institute of India (SII), the vaccine's manufacturer, has stated that all product packaging disclosed all "rare" to "very rare side effects," including TTS.
"We fully understand the ongoing concerns and it is crucial to emphasize our commitment to transparency and safety," said an SII spokesperson. "From the outset, we disclosed all rare to very rare side effects, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, in the packaging insert in 2021."
The spokesperson added that SII discontinued Covishield manufacturing in December 2021 due to "the emergence of new mutant variant strains."
"With India achieving high vaccination rates in 2021 and 2022, coupled with the emergence of new mutant variant strains, the demand for previous vaccines diminished significantly," the spokesperson said. "Consequently, since December 2021, we have stopped the manufacturing and supply of additional doses of Covishield."
The company emphasized that the vaccine's safety "remains paramount" and highlighted that Covishield had been "instrumental in saving millions of lives worldwide."
"Despite the challenges faced during the global pandemic, the safety of the vaccine remains paramount," the spokesperson said. "Regardless of whether it's AstraZeneca's Vaxzervria or our own Covishield, both vaccines have been instrumental in saving millions of lives worldwide. We commend the collaborative efforts of governments and ministries in facilitating a unified global response to the pandemic.