AstraZeneca, in coordination with Oxford University, has initiated a worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India. This decision follows reports of rare side effects associated with the jab, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), causing blood clots and low platelet counts.
Commercial Reasons Behind Withdrawal
Citing a surplus of updated vaccines targeting new variants of the virus, AstraZeneca stated that the withdrawal was primarily driven by commercial reasons. The company acknowledged that the availability of newer vaccines has rendered Covishield obsolete, prompting its voluntary withdrawal from the market.
Legal Challenges and Admissions
Facing a 100 million pound lawsuit in the UK over alleged adverse effects of the vaccine, AstraZeneca admitted in court documents the potential for Covishield to cause TTS in rare cases. Despite this admission, the pharmaceutical giant maintains that the withdrawal decision is unrelated to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Recognition of Past Contributions
AstraZeneca highlighted its significant contribution to combating the global pandemic, emphasizing that over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of vaccine deployment, with three billion doses supplied worldwide. The company’s efforts have garnered recognition from governments worldwide, positioning its vaccine as a critical tool in pandemic mitigation.
Future Outlook and Vaccine Replacement
With the emergence of multiple COVID-19 variants, experts anticipate the withdrawal of “monovalent” vaccines targeting the original strain, including Covishield. Updated vaccines capable of addressing a broader spectrum of variants are expected to replace these older versions, aligning with evolving public health needs.
