Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

AstraZeneca withdraws Covid vaccine after admitting to rare side effects

AstraZeneca stated it would also move forward with withdrawing the marketing authorisations for the vaccine Vaxzevria within Europe.

AstraZeneca withdraws Covid vaccine after admitting to rare side effects

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is withdrawing its Covid-19 vaccine globally due to an excess of available updated vaccines since the pandemic began.

The company stated it would also move forward with withdrawing the marketing authorisations for the vaccine Vaxzevria within Europe.


"As multiple, variant Covid-19 vaccines have since been developed, there is a surplus of available updated vaccines," the company explained, noting a decrease in demand for Vaxzevria, which is no longer being produced or supplied.

The firm's application to withdraw the vaccine was submitted on March 5 and became effective on May 7, according to The Telegraph, which first reported the development.

Media reports had earlier revealed that AstraZeneca had previously admitted in court documents the vaccine's side effects, including blood clots and low blood platelet counts.

AstraZeneca, based in the UK, initiated the global withdrawal of its Covid-19 vaccine, known as 'Covishield' in India through a partnership with the Serum Institute of India, after acknowledging rare side effects of blood clotting and low platelet counts.

The decision to withdraw the vaccine was made due to an oversupply of available updated vaccines since the pandemic, the company stated.

Partnering with Oxford University to develop the Covid-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca sold it in India as Covishield and as Vaxzevria in Europe.

"We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the Covid pandemic," the company added.

Without directly referring to the side effects, the company expressed pride in the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic, citing estimates of over 6.5 million lives saved in the first year of use alone and over three billion doses supplied globally.

"Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic," AstraZeneca stated.

In India, over 2.2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered, with the majority being Covishield.

(Agencies)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less