The AstraZeneca COVID vaccine is no longer allowed to be used, as announced by the European Commission on May 7, 2024. This decision came after AstraZeneca requested to withdraw its authorization in the EU on March 27, 2024.
Although concerns about rare blood clots were mentioned, other reasons likely influenced this move. Despite being crucial during the pandemic, especially in India during the emergence of the delta variant, the vaccine faced challenges.
Professor Sarah Gilbert led the team that created it at Oxford University. While it went through proper testing and was deemed safe, concerns about blood clots arose in early 2021. However, the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks, especially considering the high levels of COVID cases globally.
Compared to the risks of COVID itself, the vaccine’s blood clot rates were much lower. Yet, it faced public scrutiny and misinformation, contributing to its withdrawal.
Other vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna are now preferred for their effectiveness and safety. Despite its contributions, the AstraZeneca vaccine’s time might be over.