Covishield Vaccine Sales Stopped?
Controversy swirls around Covishield vaccine as lawsuits in India and UK raise concerns over adverse effects, prompting AstraZeneca to withdraw its supply amid decreased demand.
A major controversy has emerged around the Oxford University–AstraZeneca COVID?19 vaccine, known as Covishield in India. Last week, an application was filed in the Supreme Court of India by advocate Vishal Tiwari, raising concerns about adverse effects post-vaccination.
Advocate Tiwari highlighted an increase in cases of death due to heart attacks and sudden collapse after administering more than 175 crore doses of Covishield in India. He urged the Supreme Court to form a medical expert panel comprising AIIMS experts to examine vaccine side effects and risks.
In a separate lawsuit, the parents of Karunya, who passed away after receiving the Covishield vaccine, are suing the Serum Institute of India (SII), the vaccine's producer.
Similar legal action is underway in the UK, with 51 individuals seeking damages of up to £100 million against Oxford University–AstraZeneca. The cases allege vaccine-related side effects leading to death and serious injuries, including permanent brain injuries.
AstraZeneca recently acknowledged, in rare cases, a potential link between the vaccine and blood clot-related side effects, prompting the company to withdraw its vaccines from the market due to decreased demand with the availability of other vaccine brands worldwide.
The withdrawal could result in payouts if the drug firm accepts liability for vaccine-related illnesses and deaths. The UK Government has pledged to support AstraZeneca's legal expenses.
Legal proceedings continue both in the UK and India concerning the Covishield vaccine. ISH News will provide updates on any developments in this ongoing controversy.
