AstraZeneca has for the first time officially acknowledged in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine, sold as Covishield in India and Vaxzevria elsewhere, could cause a rare side-effect called Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This comes after a UK-based man, Jamie Scott, was left with a permanent brain injury due to blood clotting and low platelet count after receiving the vaccine. AstraZeneca is now facing 51 legal cases in the UK with victims seeking up to 100 million British pounds in compensation. The company, however, has contested these claims but has accepted that the vaccine can cause TTS in very rare cases.
AstraZeneca Vaccine Linked to Rare Blood-Clotting Side Effect
Background:
AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, developed a COVID-19 vaccine called Vaxzevria (also known as Covishield in India). The vaccine utilized an adenovirus vector technology to carry genetic material of the virus into cells, triggering an immune response.
Court Acknowledgement of Blood-Clotting Side Effect:
Recently, AstraZeneca acknowledged in court documents that its COVID-19 vaccine could cause a rare side effect called Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). TTS is characterized by the formation of blood clots in the brain and a low platelet count.
Legal Cases and Compensation Claims:
Following reports of TTS cases linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, a UK-based man, Jamie Scott, filed a lawsuit alleging he suffered a permanent brain injury after receiving the shot. The case has sparked 51 legal claims in the UK, with victims seeking up to 100 million British pounds in compensation.
AstraZeneca's Response:
AstraZeneca has contested the claims of the victims, maintaining that the vaccine is safe and effective. However, the company has accepted that TTS can occur in very rare cases.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)?
TTS is a rare blood-clotting disorder that can occur after vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. It involves the formation of blood clots in the brain and a low platelet count.
2. How common is TTS?
TTS is a very rare side effect of the AstraZeneca vaccine, estimated to affect around 1 in 100,000 recipients.
3. What are the symptoms of TTS?
Symptoms of TTS include severe headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
4. What is the treatment for TTS?
Treatment for TTS typically involves administering intravenous immunoglobulin and anticoagulants to prevent further blood clots.
5. Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe for use?
The AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death. However, individuals with a history of blood-clotting disorders or those at high risk of TTS should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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