Covishield Facts: What to Know & Should You Worry?

The world is witnessing a decline in COVID-19 cases, but the controversies surrounding the side effects of vaccines continue to make headlines. One such vaccine under scrutiny is Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced in India by the Serum Institute of India (SII). This vaccine has sparked controversy in India due to reports of rare side effects.

What’s the controversy about?

The controversy centres around a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). This condition involves blood clots forming in unusual places along with a low platelet count, which is crucial for clotting. While AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the vaccine (distributed as Covishield in India), acknowledges this potential side effect, it emphasises its rarity.

What led to the origin of the controversy?

The controversy began with AstraZeneca’s submission in a British court, acknowledging that its COVID-19 vaccine could cause a rare side effect known as TTS. This condition, characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, has led to a class-action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant, seeking over £100 million in damages for alleged death and serious injury in 51 cases.

What is the Indian perspective behind the Covishield controversy?

In India, Covishield, the local brand name for the AstraZeneca vaccine, is manufactured by the SII. Following AstraZeneca’s court admission, families of those who allegedly died due to the vaccine’s side effects have initiated legal actions against SII. They are demanding compensation and calling for an independent expert medical board to investigate these deaths. Despite the rarity of TTS, some families in India who lost loved ones after Covishield vaccination have filed lawsuits against the vaccine’s manufacturer. They argue that the vaccine caused these deaths and that the risks were not adequately communicated.

What are the medical concerns borne by Covishield?

The primary medical concern is TTS, a rare yet serious condition linked to certain Covid-19 vaccines, including AstraZeneca’s. It often involves unusual clot locations, such as in the brain or abdomen. While TTS is rare, individuals who have received vaccines associated with TTS should be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if they experience any within a few weeks of vaccination.

The stand of AstraZeneca and SII

AstraZeneca has expressed sympathy for those who have reported health problems or lost loved ones, emphasizing that patient safety is their highest priority. They have acknowledged that their vaccine can potentially cause TTS in very rare cases. However, they maintain that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of these extremely rare potential side effects. 

SII, on the other hand, has stopped manufacturing Covishield since December 2021 due to high vaccination rates in India and the emergence of new mutant variant strains. They have also disclosed all rare and very rare side effects of the vaccine, including TTS, in the packaging inserts.

What do experts say?

Medical experts have downplayed the concerns about the vaccine’s side effects. They argue that despite the uncommon risk of TTS, Covishield has performed well in India, where it was used to vaccinate 90% of the population. They emphasize that TTS is rare and usually occurs within 5-30 days after the first dose of the vaccine. Beyond this period, the chances of developing TTS are negligible.

 Here’s a breakdown of what experts say about the risks and benefits:

•  Dr Kameshwar Prasad, a neurology expert, emphasizes the rarity of TTS, stating it usually occurs within 30 days of the first dose. He advises people not to hesitate with vaccination as its benefits are well established. 
• Former ICMR scientist Dr R Ganga Ketkar reiterates that TTS symptoms develop within a specific timeframe post-vaccination and shouldn’t be a concern now for most people in India. 
• Assam Medical College Hospital study revealed that over half of the Covishield recipients experienced only mild, short-term side effects, with no major adverse events observed over a year.

What is the government’s take on the controversy?

The Indian government has also downplayed concerns regarding Covishield’s safety. They point to detailed studies by ICMR, which found no link between Covid-19 vaccines and heart attacks.

The political angle

Political parties in India have also joined the debate, questioning the government about the health concerns related to the vaccine. They are demanding compensation for the relatives of those who died due to heart attack or similar reasons after taking the Covishield vaccine.

Conclusion: Should you worry?

Here are some key takeaways: 

• Covishield has been immensely successful in curbing Covid-19 in India. The reported blood clot side effect, TTS, is extremely rare.
•  The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of rare side effects. Vaccination remains crucial in protecting yourself from severe Covid-19 illness. 
• If you have specific concerns, consult your doctor for personalized advice.

 Remember, staying informed and consulting with your doctor are the best ways to navigate any anxieties surrounding vaccination.