AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company based in the UK, has recognized the possibility of its COVID-19 vaccine causing a rare side effect called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), according to a report from The Telegraph. This vaccine, known as Covishield in India, was developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with Oxford University during the pandemic and was produced by the Serum Institute of India.
What’s TTS, Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome?
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a rare but severe condition associated with specific COVID-19 vaccines, particularly adenovirus vector vaccines such as those developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
TTS is characterized by the combination of blood clots (thrombosis) and reduced levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which are essential for blood clotting. This condition frequently involves atypical clotting sites, such as in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen.
Symptoms of TTS may encompass severe or persistent headaches, vision disturbances, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, swelling in the legs, enduring abdominal pain, and noticeable bruising or small blood spots under the skin away from the injection area.
TTS Danger signs you should’s ignore
Although TTS is uncommon, individuals who have been vaccinated with vaccines linked to TTS should remain vigilant for symptoms and promptly seek medical assistance if they experience any within a few weeks of vaccination. Early detection and treatment are crucial for effectively managing TTS.
“TTS, or thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, involves blood clots in the brain or other parts of the body, along with a low platelet count. It’s a rare occurrence following specific types of vaccines and other causes,” Dr. Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, told ANI.
Dr. Jayadevan emphasized the importance of awareness, 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 Statement
A report from The Telegraph revealed AstraZeneca’s admission regarding the potential for its COVID-19 vaccine to lead to TTS. The vaccine, marketed worldwide under various names including Covishield and Vaxzevria, was produced by the Serum Institute of India. Unlike mRNA vaccines, Covishield is based on the viral vector platform, utilizing a modified chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver the COVID-19 spike protein into human cells. A 2023 report from yalemedicine.org highlighted the danger of blood clots, particularly when they develop within blood vessels, causing thrombosis. Yale Medicine hematologist Robert Bona, MD, explained, “Those clots typically occur in individuals who are bedridden, hospitalized, or have other medical issues related to inflammation, infection, or cancer.” The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2023 that TTS emerged as a new adverse event following immunization in individuals vaccinated with COVID19 non-replicant adenovirus vector-based vaccines, including the AstraZeneca COVID-19 ChAdOx-1 vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen COVID-19 Ad26.COV2-S vaccines.