(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)

AstraZeneca has begun a global recall of its COVID-19 vaccine following reports that it can cause rare side effects. The vaccine, known as Covishield and developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, is no longer being produced because of a surplus of updated vaccines that target new variants. The company has withdrawn its "marketing authorisation" in the European Union and will withdraw the vaccine from other countries that have used it. AstraZeneca is also facing a £100m lawsuit in the UK over claims that the vaccine caused deaths and injuries. In February, the company admitted that Covishield can cause TTS, a condition that results in blood clots and low blood platelet counts, leading to at least 81 deaths in the UK.

The vaccine manufacturer has denied any correlation between the withdrawal of Covishield and the court case. AstraZeneca stated that their vaccine has saved over 6.5 million lives and supplied three billion doses worldwide, garnering recognition from governments. The company believes their vaccine is a critical component in ending the pandemic, but since multiple Covid-19 vaccines have been developed, there is an abundance of updated vaccines available. It is expected that all "monovalent" vaccines, which target the original Covid strain, will be removed and replaced with updated vaccines that address a broader range of strains. AstraZeneca plans to collaborate with regulators and partners to come to a clear conclusion and make a significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic.