AstraZeneca Admits its Vaccine Causes Clotting: Why Covishield Vaccine Takers in India Shouldn’t Panic
Introduction
Global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its Covid-19 vaccine, developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford, can cause a rare side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). In India, the same vaccine, named Covishield and manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, has been administered over 175 crore times. Understandably, this raises concerns about the safety of the vaccine that many of us have received.
TTS and Covishield
TTS is a rare condition that involves blood clotting and a low platelet count. The first cases were reported within months of the vaccination drives commencing in Europe, leading some countries to temporarily halt the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In India, the Government committee on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) has vetted at least 36 cases of TTS and confirmed 18 deaths from it in 2021, the first year of Covid-19 vaccination in the country.
Why Shouldn’t Indians Panic?
Experts emphasize that while TTS is a real concern, it is extremely rare in India. TTS is more prevalent in Europeans than in Indians and other South Asians. Furthermore, the risk is primarily high in the first few weeks after the first vaccination. Most Indians have already received three shots, and a significant amount of time has passed since their vaccinations.
Dr. Gagandeep Kang, Director of Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who served on the WHO safety advisory committee for COVID-19 vaccines states, “It is crucial to reassure people that the risk of TTS is shortly after vaccination. We are all long past vaccination now.”
Is It Safe to Get Vaccinated Now?
According to Dr. Agarwal, Dean of Biosciences and Health Research at the Trivedi School of Biosciences of Ashoka University, most people do not require immediate immunization. He recommends that only those who are severely immunocompromised consider getting the newer vaccines that protect against later COVID-19 variants like Omicron.
Conclusion
The admission by AstraZeneca regarding the potential side effects of its vaccine raises concerns but it is essential to remember that the risk of TTS is extremely low, especially in the Indian population. The benefits of vaccination, particularly in preventing severe disease and deaths, far outweigh the risks. If you have questions or concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.