The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is being withdrawn globally following the pharmaceutical giant’s acknowledgment of a rare and serious side effect. AstraZeneca voluntarily withdrew the vaccine’s marketing authorization in the European Union, effective as of March 5.
The decision to withdraw the vaccine marks the end of its usage, despite its initial acclaim for contributing to saving over six million lives. AstraZeneca cited commercial reasons for the withdrawal, stating that the vaccine is no longer being manufactured or supplied, having been replaced by updated vaccines targeting new variants.
The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, faced scrutiny due to its rare side effect causing blood clots and low blood platelet counts, known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). AstraZeneca admitted to this side effect in court documents, which has been linked to numerous deaths and serious injuries.
However, AstraZeneca insists that the withdrawal is unrelated to the court case or the admission of TTS risk. The timing, according to the company, is coincidental and driven purely by market dynamics.
Despite the withdrawal, AstraZeneca maintains pride in the role Vaxzevria played in combating the pandemic, emphasizing its contribution to global efforts. The company will work with regulators to manage the transition and align on the next steps.
The UK government had largely phased out the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by autumn 2021, replacing it with Pfizer and Moderna jabs. Marco Cavaleri, head of vaccines at the European Medicines Agency, confirmed the withdrawal process, indicating that other vaccines targeting the original Wuhan strain may also be withdrawn eventually.
The withdrawal comes after AstraZeneca accepted the vaccine’s potential to cause TTS, though the exact mechanism remains unknown. Legal claims against AstraZeneca argue that the vaccine caused vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), asserting that it was not as safe as expected.
While the withdrawal may bring relief to those affected by adverse reactions, challenges remain in securing fair compensation. Victims and their families continue to pursue legal action against AstraZeneca, highlighting the need for reform in vaccine compensation schemes.