AstraZeneca, the British pharmaceutical giant, has announced a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing commercial reasons. The vaccine, marketed as Vaxzevria in foreign markets and Covishield in India, has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of causing blood clotting, although the company denies these issues influenced their decision.
Recent reports in the UK highlighted several instances where individuals suffered severe adverse reactions linked to blood clots, leading to legal actions by affected families. Despite the life-saving role the vaccine played during the pandemic, saving an estimated 65 million lives globally in its first year alone, AstraZeneca has ceased production and is retracting marketing permissions.
The company submitted a formal request on March 5 to withdraw the vaccine in European countries, with the process starting this Tuesday. More applications for withdrawal in other countries are expected soon.
AstraZeneca remains proud of the vaccine's impact in combating COVID-19, stating it has supplied over one billion doses worldwide, recognized globally for its efforts in crisis management.
