AstraZeneca is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine. Declining demand doesn't have to be the only reason
AstraZeneca issued a statement announcing that it was withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine from the market. She cited the “surplus of available vaccines” since the pandemic as the reason.
The vaccine produced by AstraZeneca was one of the first vaccines against COVID-19. It was used in many countries around the world, including Poland, especially in the initial period of the pandemic. Recently, the company issued a statement in which it announced the withdrawal of its product from the pharmaceutical market, as well as the authorization of vaccines for use in Europe. What could have been the reasons for this decision?
Decreased demand and withdrawal of the AstraZeneca vaccine
AstraZeneca's official reason for withdrawing the vaccine from the market in its statement is “surplus of available vaccines.” This led to a significant drop in demand for the preparation produced by the concern. It is no longer manufactured or shipped anywhere.
Our efforts have been appreciated by governments around the world and are widely considered crucial in the fight against the virus. Since many variants of COVID-19 vaccines have been developed since the end of the pandemic, (…) AstraZeneca has decided to start withdrawing marketing authorizations for the Vaxzevria vaccine in Europe, company representatives said in a statement.
AstraZeneca's problems
Western media note that the decline in demand does not have to be the only reason why the company made this decision. They remind that AstraZeneca has been repeatedly sued by patients who took the COVID-19 vaccine produced by the company. Research conducted on the preparation in 2022 showed that it may increase the risk of serious thrombosis. These are not the only side effects that taking the vaccine may cause. Another side effect is thrombocytopenia, i.e. a low number of platelets (thrombocytes). AstraZeneca now faces lawsuits filed by people injured in receiving the vaccine or their families. There are over 50 of them in Great Britain alone. It can therefore be assumed that the company's decision is not solely based on purely commercial reasons.
Sarah Moore, from the Leigh Day law firm, which represents people injured by receiving the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca, said that the company's decision was welcomed.
This is an important step, but our clients have still not received fair compensation for the harm they have suffered. We will continue to fight for them and campaign for the reform of the payment system for vaccine damages, she said in an interview with the media.
