Covishield Clots: Are Indians at risk of TTS because of Covishield?

The makers of the Covishield Covid vaccine, AstraZeneca, have made the shocking admission that thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) could be a side effect. Astrazeneca admitted that the vaccine developed with the University of Oxford to protect against Covid-19 may cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in "very rare cases"

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a dangerous condition marked by the production of blood clots and a low platelet count. The consequences of TTS are potentially life-threatening including strokes, brain damage, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism and amputation.

Since Covishield is the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the answer is yes. However, there is a very low risk as AstraZeneca reassured that the condition is observed in "very rare cases".

The Covid-19 vaccine campaign in India went on for months, where millions of Indians got vaccinated. While some chose Covaxin and other vaccines, most people opted for Covishield given its better availability. Only seven in 10 lakh people who receive the vaccine are at risk of developing TTS, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, ex ICMR scientist, was quoted as saying by News18.com. Co-Chairman of National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Dr Rajeev Jayadevan told ANI said that the disease is extremely rare. So, even if you are worried justifiably there is nothing to panic about.

Symptoms of TTS include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, and easy bruising. Reported cases of TTS in India have been limited. TTS symptoms are primarily observed after initial vaccination.

British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca worked with Oxford University to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. The Serum Institute of India has a licence to produce the same vaccine under the Covishield brand. Though produced and delivered in separate regions, the two vaccinations have the same formulation.