Medical expert Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) refers to the clot in blood vessels, and it occurs in very rare cases, following the use of certain types of vaccines.
Acknowledging that the Covid vaccines have helped in preventing numerous deaths, Jayadevan, who is the Co-Chairman of National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, stated that reports of such cases have also been highlighted in many reports.
"TTS is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which is basically clot in blood vessels of the brain or elsewhere, along with a low platelet count. It is known to occur in very rare instances following certain types of vaccines and also from other causes. According to the WHO, adenovirus vector vaccines in particular have been rarely associated with this condition," he told ANI."
Although Covid vaccines have prevented numerous deaths, reports of these extremely rare but potentially serious immune mediated events have also been published in reputed journals," Dr Jayadevan added.
What’s the legal dispute?
At least 51 people in the UK have taken AstraZeneca to the UK High Court for allegedly causing ‘deaths and injuries’ due to its vaccine, seeking compensation and damages up to 100 million pounds.
The first complainant in the matter, Jamie Scott, allegedly took the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021 and suffered a permanent brain injury following that.
What is Thrombosis?
Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome is a condition that leads to blood clots in the body, and reduces the platelets as well.
Common symptoms include,
Pain or numbness in one leg
Swelling in the leg or arm
Chest pain
Adverse side effects are not new information:
While Thrombosis can be caused by injury, illness and autoimmune conditions, it can also be triggered by some medicines and vaccines known as Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).
The European Medicines Agency in 2021 had stated that there was a “causal link” between blood clots with low blood platelets and the administration of COVID-19 Astrazeneca vaccine. But it had added that they should be “listed as very rare side effects.”
In 2021,the British Medical Journal in a large UK-based study also found that people who took the AstraZeneca vaccine, “for short time intervals after the first dose” were at an increased risk of “blood-related adverse events leading to hospital.”
Patient safety is our highest priority’
Sarah Moore, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, who brings the legal claims, said, “In that context, regrettably it seems that AZ, the Government and their lawyers are more keen to play strategic games and run up legal fees than to engage seriously with the devastating impact that their AZ vaccine has had upon our clients’ lives.”
In a statement AstraZeneca said, “Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems. Patient safety is our highest priority, and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines.
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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the vaccine was “safe and effective for all individuals aged 18 and above” and the adverse effect that has prompted the legal action was “very rare”.
