UNMASKING COVISHIELD: THE TRUTH BEHIND VACCINE-INDUCED IMMUNE THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIA
Abstract
The Covishield vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, has been crucial in the global ght against COVID-19. Its
effectiveness in reducing severe disease and hospitalizations has signicantly contributed to public health efforts. Concerns have arisen about
vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) associated with Covishield and other adenoviral vector vaccines. The article
delves into Covishield's development process, clinical trial challenges, and its importance in global vaccination campaigns. It explores the
epidemiology of VITT, noting varying incidence rates across populations and age groups. The pathogenesis of VITT involves antibodies targeting
platelet factor 4 (PF4), offering insights into this rare condition's mechanisms and clinical manifestations like thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.
Controversies surrounding Covishield, particularly VITT cases, are discussed, with ongoing research aiming to understand and mitigate these
risks. The article emphasizes the need to rebuild public trust and the critical role of robust pharmacovigilance systems in monitoring vaccine safety
and efcacy.
Keywords
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