AstraZeneca has admitted in court documents for the first time that its Covid vaccine can cause a rare side effect, potentially opening the door for substantial legal repercussions.
The pharmaceutical giant, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, faces a class-action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine led to fatalities and severe injuries in numerous cases. Lawyers argue that the vaccine triggered a devastating side effect in a small number of individuals, leading to irreversible harm.
The lawsuit’s genesis can be traced back to Jamie Scott, a father of two, who suffered permanent brain injury after developing a blood clot and a brain bleed following his vaccination in April 2021. AstraZeneca, while contesting the claims, has conceded in a legal filing submitted to the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” – Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.
TTS is characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, and it has been the focal point of legal battles as victims and grieving families seek damages amounting to an estimated £100 million. AstraZeneca’s admission, a year after the first case was filed, could potentially lead to compensation payouts if the company accepts liability for serious illnesses and deaths linked to its vaccine.
However, the road to this admission has been fraught with legal complexities and disputes. Initially, AstraZeneca refuted any connection between the vaccine and TTS, but the tide appears to have turned with their acknowledgment in court documents. This admission may signal a shift in their legal strategy and could expedite resolution for affected families.
Kate Scott, Jamie Scott’s wife, expressed cautious optimism about AstraZeneca’s admission, emphasizing the need for accountability, fair compensation, and a swift resolution. She underscored the importance of truth and justice for families impacted by the vaccine’s side effects.
In response to these developments, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety, emphasizing the vaccine’s overall safety profile based on clinical trials and real-world data. The company highlighted that regulatory authorities have stringent standards to ensure the safe use of vaccines, including theirs.
Despite AstraZeneca’s assertions, legal battles continue as victims and their representatives press for accountability and compensation. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely have far-reaching implications for vaccine safety regulations and public trust in immunization programs.
As the legal saga unfolds, the spotlight remains on AstraZeneca’s vaccine and its potential side effects, underscoring the complexities and challenges inherent in the pursuit of medical innovation amidst unforeseen risks.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
