AstraZeneca has responded to growing concerns over potential side effects associated with its Covid-19 vaccine, Covishield, by reiterating its dedication to ensuring patient safety. While acknowledging that rare instances of blood clots and low platelet counts can occur post-vaccination, the pharmaceutical company emphasized that regulatory authorities have strict standards in place to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines.
Recent developments in a UK court case involving a 100 million pound class action lawsuit prompted AstraZeneca to admit that the vaccine can lead to Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in extremely rare cases. The company expressed sympathy for individuals who have experienced health issues or lost loved ones, underscoring that patient safety remains their utmost priority throughout vaccine development and distribution.
Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India, utilizes a viral vector platform rather than mRNA technology in delivering the Covid-19 spike protein into human cells. The modified chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) incorporated in the vaccine prompts the immune system to prepare defenses against similar viruses without causing infection. This technology has been previously used in vaccines for viruses like Ebola, demonstrating its efficacy in stimulating immune responses.