AstraZeneca’s Covishield and Blood Clot Risks: 1 May 2024

Why in News?

• AstraZeneca, the maker of Covishield has acknowledged that its vaccine could cause blood clots in “very rare” cases. 
• This acknowledgment comes as part of ongoing legal proceedings in the UK, where individuals have reported severe health issues post-vaccination.

Key Details:

• Background: Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Covishield is the Indian version of AstraZeneca’s AZD1222 vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
• Legal Case: The company’s admission emerged in a UK court case, where a claimant suffered a severe brain injury caused by Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome linked to a vaccine-induced blood clot.
• WHO’s Stance: The World Health Organization has pointed out that the risk of TTS is very low but noticeable, with incidence rates varying across regions.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS):

• Definition: Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) involves blood clots and a low platelet count.
• Symptoms: Include breathlessness, chest pain, persistent headaches, and unusual skin marks near the injection site.