Famed pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced the cessation of its Covid vaccine sales worldwide. The vaccine, recognized as Vaxzevria in Europe and CoviShield in India, faced scrutiny over reported cases of blood clotting, prompting concerns about its safety.
Despite AstraZeneca acknowledging rare side effects like Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), the company cites dwindling demand and the availability of more efficacious Covid vaccines as reasons for discontinuation.
In India, where concerns over the vaccine’s safety were pronounced, the government’s response included removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image from vaccine certificates following AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of its association with blood clotting and low platelet count.
With this decision, AstraZeneca underscores the evolving landscape of Covid vaccination efforts globally, prioritizing safety and efficacy amidst shifting demands and advancements in vaccine technology.