AstraZeneca has acknowledged in court documents, for the first time, the potential for rare side effects linked to its Covid-19 vaccine, which was distributed globally under various brand names like Covishield and Vaxzevria.
Facing a class-action lawsuit alleging serious injuries and deaths related to its vaccine, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, the pharmaceutical company has conceded to the existence of risks associated with vaccination, marking a significant development in the legal battle.
The lawsuit, initiated by Jamie Scott and others, highlights the devastating impacts of alleged side effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine, particularly Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), characterized by blood clots and low platelet counts. Scott suffered a permanent brain injury after receiving the vaccine in April 2021.
AstraZeneca's admission in legal documents submitted to the UK High Court acknowledges the rare occurrence of TTS as a potential side effect of its vaccine. This admission, amid ongoing legal disputes, could lead to significant compensation payouts if the company recognizes vaccine-induced illness or death in specific cases.
However, AstraZeneca maintains its stance against claims of widespread vaccine defects or exaggerated efficacy, despite the discontinuation of its vaccine in the UK due to safety concerns. While independent studies have affirmed its effectiveness against Covid-19, the emergence of rare side effects has prompted regulatory scrutiny and legal action.
As legal proceedings progress, affected individuals and their families seek fair compensation and acknowledgment of vaccine-related injuries, underscoring the complexities surrounding vaccine safety and liability in the fight against the pandemic.