AstraZeneca Acknowledges TTS Risk In Covishield Vaccine, Urges Vigilance

As reported by various media outlets, AstraZeneca has acknowledged the potential for its COVID-19 vaccine, particularly known as Covishield in India, to cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This rare but serious side effect has raised concerns, prompting health authorities to urge vigilance among vaccinated individuals.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a condition characterised by blood clot formation (thrombosis) alongside low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), which are essential for blood clotting. Notably, this adverse reaction has been associated with adenovirus vector vaccines like AstraZeneca's Covishield and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

Individuals vaccinated with Covishield are advised to be vigilant for symptoms indicative of TTS, including severe headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and leg swelling. Early recognition and prompt medical attention are crucial for effective management of this rare condition.

Dr Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, emphasised the importance of awareness regarding TTS, stating, "While Covid vaccines have undoubtedly saved lives, reports of these extremely rare but potentially serious immune-mediated events have also been documented in reputable journals."

AstraZeneca's admission regarding the potential risk of TTS comes amid ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) previously reported TTS as an emerging adverse event following immunization with adenovirus vector-based vaccines, including Covishield.

With inputs from media reports