ALBAWABA In a significant development, the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is reportedly being withdrawn worldwide, following months of scrutiny and controversy surrounding its safety profile. The decision comes after the pharmaceutical company admitted for the first time in court documents that the vaccine can cause a rare side effect.
The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, is no longer authorized for use in the European Union after AstraZeneca voluntarily withdrew its marketing authorization. The application for withdrawal was submitted on March 5 and came into effect recently.
AstraZeneca has stated that the decision to withdraw the vaccine is purely coincidental and not related to ongoing legal proceedings or recent admissions regarding its side effects. The company cited a surplus of newer vaccines specifically adapted to target Covid-19 variants as the primary reason behind the withdrawal.
According to reports from the Telegraph, AstraZeneca mentioned that the decline in demand for the vaccine led to its decision to halt manufacturing and supply. They emphasized their pride in the role Vaxzevria played in combating the global pandemic but acknowledged the evolving landscape of Covid-19 vaccination.
The pharmaceutical giant highlighted that multiple variant-specific Covid-19 vaccines have been developed, resulting in a reduced demand for Vaxzevria. Consequently, AstraZeneca has initiated the withdrawal of marketing authorizations for the vaccine across Europe.
AstraZeneca has assured its commitment to collaborate with regulators and partners to navigate the next steps effectively. They expressed determination to conclude this chapter while acknowledging their significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic response.
This move comes amid intense scrutiny over a rare side effect associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The company admitted that in very rare cases, the vaccine can cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition characterized by blood clots and low blood platelet counts.
Reports suggest that TTS has been linked to at least 81 deaths in the UK, along with hundreds of serious injuries. AstraZeneca currently faces legal action from more than 50 alleged victims and bereaved families in a High Court case.
Despite these challenges, AstraZeneca maintains that the decision to withdraw Vaxzevria is driven by market dynamics and the availability of updated vaccines, rather than direct implications from safety concerns or legal proceedings. As the global vaccination campaign continues to evolve, the withdrawal of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine marks a significant chapter in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.
