The Indian government has officially recognized Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and Thrombocytopenia as serious side effects of the Covishield vaccine, an adenovirus-based vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The revised guidelines highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and digital recording of all vaccine side effects.
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In response to concerns regarding potential side effects of Covishield, Bharat Biotech has released a statement emphasizing the extensive safety and efficacy measures implemented during the development of their COVID-19 vaccine. The company has stressed its commitment to adhering to rigorous scientific protocols and regulatory standards throughout the vaccine’s development and evaluation process.
Amidst concerns raised in the UK High Court, a prominent medical expert in India has urged the government to investigate cases of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Sanjay Rai, a key figure in India’s pandemic response, called for a review by the health ministry’s Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) committee. While acknowledging the effectiveness of vaccines in mitigating COVID-19 severity, Dr. Rai emphasized the importance of evaluating rare side effects like thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The plea for an expert panel to assess side effects has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, mirroring a class action lawsuit in the UK.
The government is considering allowing mothers to report side effects of routine immunizations on the U-WIN platform. This move aligns with the admission by AstraZeneca that its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, can rarely induce blood clots. The U-WIN platform, similar to CoWIN for COVID-19, tracks vaccinations and immunization. Currently in a pilot phase, U-WIN is expected to become the world’s largest electronic immunization system, aiming to improve vaccination coverage and reduce infant mortality. As part of the integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, healthcare providers will have access to patients’ complete health records.
AstraZeneca is facing a class action lawsuit in the UK over claims that its Covishield vaccine caused deaths and severe injuries in several cases. Victims in as many as 51 cases in the UK High Court are seeking damages up to 100 million pounds. AstraZeneca has contested the claims, but admitted in court documents that Covishield can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which leads to blood clots and low blood platelet count.
