The British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced the withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine from sale worldwide. The decision, reported by The Telegraph, comes amidst growing safety concerns surrounding the vaccine.
The vaccine's withdrawal from the European Union (EU) follows AstraZeneca's voluntary decision to withdraw its "marketing authorisation". The application for the vaccine's cancellation was submitted on March 5, and it officially took effect on May 7. Similar withdrawal applications are expected to be submitted to other countries, including Great Britain.
AstraZeneca's decision comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the vaccine's potential deadly side effects, particularly the formation of blood clots. The company has acknowledged the rare but severe risk associated with its COVID-19 vaccine. This admission has triggered a class-action lawsuit against AstraZeneca, with victims and their families seeking compensation of up to 100 mn pounds ($124,733,000).
Reports of adverse effects linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine surfaced as early as 2021, with instances of vaccinated individuals developing blood clots leading to serious health complications, including brain hemorrhage.
AstraZeneca maintains that while the risk of blood clot formation exists, it is rare. However, the company's decision to withdraw its vaccine from the market reflects a proactive measure to prioritize public safety and address mounting concerns surrounding its product.
Comments (0)