The AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is being withdrawn globally after the company acknowledged in court documents that it can cause a rare and dangerous side effect. It has been withdrawn from use in the European Union, with similar actions planned for the UK and other countries that approved the vaccine.
AstraZeneca stated that the withdrawal is due to commercial reasons, as the vaccine is no longer being manufactured or supplied. The decision comes amidst concerns over a rare side effect causing blood clots and low blood platelet counts.
In recent months, Vaxzevria has faced significant scrutiny due to a side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), characterized by blood clots and low blood platelet counts. AstraZeneca acknowledged in court documents that the vaccine can, “in very rare instances”, lead to TTS.
AstraZeneca is currently facing lawsuits from over 50 individuals and bereaved relatives in a High Court case.
The company has stated that the decision to withdraw the vaccine is not related to the ongoing court case or its acknowledgment of the TTS side effect. The company claims that the timing is ‘purely coincidental.’
According to information received by The Telegraph, AstraZeneca intends to withdraw marketing authorizations in other countries, including the UK, where regulatory approval was granted. AstraZeneca never obtained approval for the vaccine's use in the US.
