The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, also known as Vaxzevria, is being withdrawn worldwide due to a rare and dangerous side effect. The vaccine has been voluntarily withdrawn from the European Union and similar applications will be made in the UK and other countries that had approved the vaccine. The decision to withdraw the vaccine marks the end of its use, despite being heralded as a “triumph for British science” and credited with saving millions of lives. AstraZeneca claims that the withdrawal is due to commercial reasons and that the vaccine has been superseded by updated vaccines targeting new variants.
The rare side effect associated with Vaxzevria is Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which causes blood clots and low blood platelet counts. AstraZeneca admitted in court documents that the vaccine can cause TTS, which has been linked to 81 deaths in the UK and numerous serious injuries. The company is currently facing a High Court case with more than 50 alleged victims and grieving relatives.
AstraZeneca insists that the decision to withdraw the vaccine is not linked to the court case or its admission about TTS, stating that it is purely coincidental. The company highlights the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic and saving lives. However, with the availability of multiple updated vaccines, there is a decline in demand for Vaxzevria.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was largely replaced by Pfizer and Moderna jabs in the UK by the end of 2021. AstraZeneca had supplied approximately 50 million doses in the UK before it was no longer used. The company plans to withdraw marketing authorizations for Vaxzevria in other countries as well.
Lawyers for claimants in the High Court case argue that Vaxzevria caused vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) and was not as safe as expected. AstraZeneca maintains that patient safety is its highest priority and that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of extremely rare potential side effects.
The withdrawal of the vaccine will be welcomed by those who have suffered from adverse reactions, but they still seek fair compensation. The compensation scheme run by the UK government has been criticized as inadequate, leading claimants to pursue separate civil claims against AstraZeneca.
Overall, the withdrawal of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine worldwide is a significant development due to the rare side effect it can cause. It raises questions about vaccine safety and highlights the need for fair compensation for those who have experienced adverse reactions.
