AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine and Rare Blood Clots

SOURCE www.factcheck.org
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was pulled off the market due to a decline in demand, not because of newly admitted risks. The vaccine had a known rare risk of dangerous blood clots, which were reported and acknowledged early on. Social media posts misleadingly linked the decision to the company's court documents, leading to misinformation about vaccine safety.

Key Points

  • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was pulled due to a decline in demand, not newly admitted risks
  • Known risk of rare blood clots with low blood platelets associated with the vaccine
  • Vaccine saved millions of lives globally and aided equitable vaccine access

Pros

  • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine saved millions of lives globally
  • Vaccine was cheaper and easier to distribute, aiding equitable access in poorer countries

Cons

  • Rare risk of dangerous blood clots known to be associated with the vaccine