When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, medical researchers worked tirelessly to create a vaccine to protect against the novel coronavirus. The AstraZeneca vaccine, also called Covishield in India, emerged as a viral vector vaccine designed to trigger an immune response in individuals who would later be exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Developed through a collaboration between the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, the vaccine utilized a weakened adenovirus vector to prompt the human immune system to produce antibodies. This partnership allowed for the manufacture of the Covishield vaccine by the Serum Institute of India, aiding in meeting the immense global demand for Covid-19 vaccines. The distribution of Covishield in India was facilitated through partnerships with the Government of India and initiatives like COVAX to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
Despite its widespread use, the AstraZeneca vaccine faced criticism and bans in several countries due to reported side effects, including blood clots. The World Health Organization acknowledged the side effects but maintained that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks, continuing to recommend its use. However, ongoing controversies include a class-action lawsuit against AstraZeneca attributing serious injuries and fatalities to the vaccine, with a rare condition known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) being associated with the vaccine. TTS involves blood clot formation alongside low platelet levels, potentially caused by the immune response to the adenovirus vector used in the vaccine.
The AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine controversy continues to unfold with ongoing investigations into its safety and efficacy, highlighting the complexities of vaccine development and distribution amidst a global health crisis.