COVID Vax Company Admits Jab Can Cause Major Side Effect
In a significant development, AstraZeneca has admitted in court for the first time that its COVID-19 vaccine can lead to a rare but potentially deadly blood clotting side effect. This admission comes amidst a tense legal battle with numerous families alleging harm or loss due to the purportedly “defective” jab.
The condition in question, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), is a reaction where individuals develop blood clots alongside a low platelet count. AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment, detailed in a legal document submitted to the High Court, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing litigation, potentially paving the way for case-by-case settlements.
While the vaccine’s potential to cause TTS has been recognized for two years, this is the first time the pharmaceutical giant has conceded to it in a legal setting. Taxpayers are set to bear the financial burden of any potential settlements due to an indemnity deal struck between AstraZeneca and the government during the height of the pandemic.
The admission comes against the backdrop of AstraZeneca reporting robust financial performance, with revenues exceeding £10 billion in the first quarter of 2024. However, amidst the financial success, the company faces mounting legal challenges, with dozens of families seeking compensation for injuries allegedly linked to the vaccine.
Among those seeking redress is Jamie Scott, an IT engineer who suffered a permanent brain injury following a blood clot and brain bleed after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021. His case is one of 51 currently before the High Court, collectively seeking damages estimated at around £100 million.
Reacting to AstraZeneca’s admission, Kate Scott, Jamie Scott’s wife, expressed hope for a swift resolution, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and acknowledgment of the impact on affected families.
However, lawyers representing the claimants have criticized AstraZeneca for what they perceive as delaying tactics. Sarah Moore, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, accused the company of prioritizing strategic games over addressing the devastating consequences faced by victims.
Despite the change in language in its recent court submission, AstraZeneca denies any U-turn on acknowledging the vaccine’s association with TTS. The company asserts that causation in individual cases will require expert evidence.
Lawyers representing victims and families argue that the vaccine constitutes a defective product under consumer protection laws, an assertion vehemently denied by AstraZeneca.
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