Covishield Side Effect: PIL In Supreme Court Seeks Setting Up Of Experts’ Panel To Study Risks

Pic courtesy UC Riverside

New Delhi: AstraZeneca’s recent admission in court documents that its COVID-19 vaccine Covishield has the potential to cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a rare side effect linked to blood clotting, has created panic in India.

Covishield was by far the most used vaccine to counter the deadly coronavirus, hence many are wondering whether they could be affected by the rare side effect.

Odisha government assured people not to worry as there has been no case of TTS in the state yet.

However, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Supreme Court on Wednesday urging the setting up of a medical experts’ panel to assess risks associated with side effects of Covishield administration.

Filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, the petition has asked the Centre to implement a vaccine damage payment system for citizens who are severely disabled as a result of COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Also Read: Covishield Side Effects: ‘Only 7 Out Of 10 Lakh At Risk,’ Says Former ICMR Scientist

The PIL has pointed out an increase in cases of heart attacks and sudden collapses, post-COVID-19, particularly among younger people.

“There have been a number of cases of heart attacks even in youngsters. Now, after the document filed in UK court by the developer of Covishield, we are compelled to think about the risks and hazardous consequences of Covishield vaccines which have been administered to the citizens in large numbers,” the PIL stated.

The petition highlighted the need for immediate action by the Central government to safeguard health and safety of Indian citizens so that future health risks may be prevented.