Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its COVID-19 vaccine, known as Covishield in India, can lead to a rare side effect called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).
- Despite this rare side effect, experts assert that the benefits of vaccination, particularly in saving lives during the pandemic, outweigh the risks.
- The risk period for TTS is shortly after vaccination.
About TTS:
- Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), also known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), is a rare condition characterized by the presence of blood clots (thrombosis) along with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
- Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form, potentially obstructing normal blood flow in affected blood vessels.
- Thrombocytopenia refers to a deficiency of platelets in the blood, which are essential for clot formation and preventing excessive bleeding.
- TTS is an uncommon but serious syndrome, particularly associated with certain COVID-19 vaccines.
