In a significant development, AstraZeneca has conceded in court for the first time that its COVID vaccine can lead to a potentially fatal side effect of blood clotting.
The rare reaction lies at the center of a multimillion-pound class action lawsuit involving numerous families who claim they or their loved ones suffered harm or death due to the pharmaceutical giant’s vaccine being “defective.”
Legal representatives for the claimants estimate that some cases could merit compensation of up to £20 million each.
AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, acknowledged in a legal document submitted to the High Court in February that its vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome). TTS is characterized by blood clots accompanied by a low platelet count, which typically aids blood clotting. Previously referred to as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), this complication has been listed as a potential side effect of the jab.
This admission could pave the way for individual payouts to affected individuals. While recognized as a potential side effect for two years, it marks the first time the company has acknowledged in court the vaccine’s role in causing the condition, as reported by The Telegraph.
Taxpayers are expected to bear the brunt of any potential settlements due to an indemnity agreement AstraZeneca made with the government during the early stages of the COVID pandemic to expedite vaccine production while the nation was grappling with lockdowns.
This revelation comes on the heels of the company reporting revenue exceeding £10 billion in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 19% increase. Company officials hailed a “very strong start” to the year.
Among those seeking compensation for vaccine-related injuries is Jamie Scott, an IT engineer and father of two, who sustained permanent brain damage following a blood clot and brain hemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021. He has been unable to work since.
Scott’s case is among 51 currently lodged in the High Court seeking damages estimated at around £100 million collectively.
Reacting to the disclosure, Kate Scott, Jamie’s wife, expressed hope that the admission would expedite resolution, emphasizing the need for an apology and fair compensation for affected families.
Sarah Moore, a partner at law firm Leigh Day representing claimants against AstraZeneca, accused the company of employing delaying tactics and prioritizing legal maneuvering over addressing the devastating impact on victims’ lives.
AstraZeneca stated in a response that patient safety remains its top priority, asserting that regulatory authorities maintain stringent standards to ensure the safe use of medicines, including vaccines.
The recent court documents mark a departure from AstraZeneca’s previous stance, where it claimed last year that TTS could not be caused by its vaccine at a generic level. The company’s updated submission suggests that the trigger for TTS in some cases is unknown and can occur independently of vaccination.
AstraZeneca denies that this represents a reversal of its position on acknowledging the vaccine’s potential to cause TTS in court documents.
Victims and families pursuing legal action argue that the vaccine was a defective product and did not meet the safety expectations of consumers. AstraZeneca vehemently denies these allegations.
Health officials first identified cases of VITT linked to AstraZeneca’s jab in Europe as early as March 2021, leading to restrictions on its use, primarily for older age groups. Despite these concerns, the AstraZeneca vaccine has been credited with saving millions of lives globally during the COVID pandemic.
