Author:- Mr. Ritesh Sharma
In the battle against the horrifying pandemic of COVID-19, vaccines proved to be life-savers. Especially, the COVID-19 vaccine covishield by AstraZeneca proved to be a lifesaver for many people. However, amidst the life saving aspects of this vaccine, there are reports that it is causing many side effects as well. These side effects were having an adverse affect on the heart health and other aspects of the well-being of patients. AstraZeneca developed this COVID-19 vaccine in collaboration with the University of Oxford. While all the reports about these dangerous side effects were mere speculations until now, in recent reports, shocking revelations have come out from the side of the company.
In recent reports, the developer of Covishield vaccine AstraZeneca has admitted that the vaccine does indeed cause side effects. Not only this, but recent developments have cast a shadow over its reputation as reports emerge of a rare but potentially serious side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). Now, what exactly is TTS? How does it affect the body? Furthermore, how long does its effect prevail? People have been contemplating these questions ever since these reports came out. But don’t worry, this blog will attempt to answer all these questions in the best way possible.
Understanding TTS
Ever since the admission of AstraZeneca has come into the limelight, people have been wondering, what is TTS that is one of the most prominent side effects of this vaccine. Let us try to understand it in detail. Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the formation of blood clots accompanied by a low platelet count. Essentially, it involves clotting in blood vessels, particularly in the brain or elsewhere, coupled with reduced platelets. While it can occur after certain types of vaccines, including adenovirus vector vaccines like AstraZeneca’s, it is crucial to note its rarity.
Covishield: The Legal Battle Unfolds
Amidst mounting concerns over TTS, AstraZeneca finds itself stuck in legal proceedings initiated by individuals and families affected by the vaccine’s alleged adverse effects. One such case involves Jamie Scott, whose life was irrevocably altered by a blood clot in the brain and subsequent brain bleed following vaccination. His family’s pursuit of justice illustrates the gravity of the situation and the pressing need for accountability. AstraZeneca was taken aback by this legal battle and in the end took accountability for the side effects of the vaccine.
AstraZeneca's Admission
After the litigation on AstraZeneca stayed for a long period of time, the company finally decided to respond albeit with reluctance. They acknowledged the potential link between its vaccine and TTS. Despite initially contesting the association, the pharmaceutical giant conceded that in rare instances, the AZ vaccine could lead to TTS. This admission came off as a shocker because blood clots in the brain and elsewhere can lead to conditions such as brain damage, heart palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, etc.
Demand for Accountability
Victims and their families, including Jamie Scott’s wife Kate, are demanding not only acknowledgment but also fair compensation for the hardships endured. Kate’s insistence on an apology and restitution highlights the profound impact of vaccine-related injuries on individuals and their loved ones. For many, justice and closure remain elusive amidst the complexities of legal proceedings and corporate accountability.
Navigating the Science
Now since the link between the Covishield Vaccine and TTS/ VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia), some big questions have arisen. What are the complications caused by TTS/ VITT? Should the people who have taken the vaccine back in the time of peak COVID-19 be worried? While recent researches suggest that the side effects of TTS normally start showing a few weeks after taking the vaccine. Hence, if this is to be believed, people who have taken the vaccine a long back should not worry.
However, researchers continue to investigate the intricacies of this rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome, shedding light on its pathophysiology and implications for vaccine safety. Therefore, we cannot say anything conclusively as yet. However, it is important for people to recognize that they are at minute risk if they have taken vaccines a long time ago since these people are rarely being effected by TTS.
The Path Forward
As litigation ensues and scientific inquiry advances, the need for vigilant monitoring and transparent communication surrounding vaccine safety has never been more critical. While COVID-19 vaccines have undeniably saved countless lives, acknowledging and addressing rare adverse events is essential to maintaining public trust and confidence in vaccination efforts worldwide. Moving forward, fostering collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and affected communities will be paramount in navigating the complex terrain of vaccine safety and accountability.
Since TTS is affecting the blood vessels by cluttering the vessels with clots which can eventually lead to heart disease, concerns regarding heart disease have also been raised. Therefore, this admission of AstraZeneca makes a lot of people inevitably anxious. If you face any heart problem that you think is due to this vaccine, then you must promptly take an ECG test if ensure you don’t have P-wave ECG abnormalities, QRS complex abnormalities, and T-wave abnormalities indicating heart problems.
In conclusion, the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine saga serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in vaccine development and deployment. While the pursuit of scientific innovation offers hope for a brighter future, it must be tempered by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and above all, the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. In the quest for global health security, the lessons learned from the TTS controversy must inform our collective efforts to build a more resilient and equitable world.