AstraZeneca admits its Covid vaccine can cause rare side effects

In a legal battle, AstraZeneca admits its Covid-19 vaccine, sold under brand names like Covishield, may in very rare cases cause severe side effects including blood clots.

The Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid vaccine was sold globally under the brand names Covishield and Vaxzevria among others. (Photo: Getty Images)

AstraZeneca, in a significant turn, has admitted for the first time in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine may lead to a rare side effect.

The Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid vaccine was sold globally under the brand names Covishield and Vaxzevria among others.

The pharmaceutical company faces a class-action lawsuit alleging serious injuries and deaths resulting from its vaccine, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford.

Several families, through the court complaint, alleged that the AstraZeneca vaccine's side effects have had devastating effects.

The company's admission marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle, highlighting the potential risks associated with vaccination.

The lawsuit was initiated by Jamie Scott, who suffered a permanent brain injury after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021.

His case, among others, highlights the severe impact of a rare side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), characterised by blood clots and low platelet counts.

In legal documents submitted to the UK High Court, AstraZeneca conceded that its vaccine "can, in very rare cases, cause TTS."

This admission follows extensive legal disputes and could lead to substantial payouts if the company acknowledges vaccine-induced illness or death in specific cases.

Despite AstraZeneca's admission, the company contests claims of widespread vaccine defects or overstatement of efficacy.

The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is no longer administered in the UK due to safety concerns. While independent studies have shown its effectiveness in combating the pandemic, the emergence of rare side effects has prompted regulatory scrutiny and legal action.

As legal proceedings unfold, affected individuals and their families seek fair compensation and acknowledgement of vaccine-induced injuries.