In a significant development, AstraZeneca has conceded in its court documents for the first time that its Covid-19 vaccine may lead to rare side effects. The revelation, as reported by The Telegraph on Sunday, could potentially result in a substantial legal payout amounting to millions of pounds.
The pharmaceutical giant is currently embroiled in a class-action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, has caused severe harm, including instances of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This condition, characterized by blood clots and low blood platelet counts, has been linked to the vaccine.
According to The Telegraph’s report, 51 cases have been filed in the High Court by victims and their families, seeking damages estimated to reach £100 million. The first of these cases was initiated in 2023 by Jamie Scott, who suffered a permanent brain injury after receiving the vaccine in April 2021.
Initially, AstraZeneca had refuted the link between TTS and its vaccine, as indicated in a response letter sent to Mr. Scott’s legal representatives in May 2023. However, the recent admission in court documents signals a shift in the company’s stance on the matter.
In response to inquiries, AstraZeneca expressed condolences to those affected by adverse reactions to the vaccine and emphasized its commitment to patient safety. The company highlighted that regulatory authorities maintain rigorous standards to ensure the safety of all medications, including vaccines.
AstraZeneca referenced the World Health Organization’s affirmation of the vaccine’s safety and efficacy for individuals aged 18 and above, underscoring that the adverse effects prompting legal action were deemed “very rare.”
This acknowledgment by AstraZeneca may have far-reaching implications for the ongoing litigation and could shape the discourse surrounding vaccine safety and accountability in the global fight against Covid-19.
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