The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine widely used in saving lives during the pandemic is being recalled.
According to manufacturers, the withdrawal of the vaccine was a commercial decision.
Expressing how ‘incredibly proud’ it was of the COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca said its vaccine was estimated to have saved millions of lives during the pandemic.
It, however, noted that the rise of new coronavirus variants meant demand had shifted to the newer updated vaccines.
The pharmaceutical giant also acknowledged the existence of an uncommon adverse effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).
This condition, characterised by the formation of blood clots that obstruct veins or arteries, can manifest through symptoms such as unilateral leg pain and swelling, chest discomfort, or one-sided body numbness.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the withdrawal of the AstraZeneca COVID-19, saying it was based on commercial reasons.
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, confirmed to journalists during a tour as part of the COVID-19 Vaccination and Child Health Promotion Week/African Vaccination Week Campaign in various parts of the Ga East Municipality in Accra on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
“They are withdrawing for commercial reasons in the sense that there are superior vaccines in the market.
“And so if you are in a market and you will not be able to compete, why produce something when others will go for some other brand?” he stated.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri