Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) or Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopaenia (VITT)
Although early studies from Europe suggested that around 20% of TTS cases were deadly, in Australia, slightly over 4%, and we have no similar statistics in India.
According to the All India Drug Action Network, the vaccine's approval was accelerated because the producer had not completed a “bridging study” on Indians.
What exactly is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome?
Although we don’t have all of the details, it looks that the AstraZeneca vaccination can activate platelets, which are small blood cells that help form blood clots and prevent bleeding.
Platelet factor 4 (PF4), which binds to the AstraZeneca vaccine, can be released by active platelets in some persons. This PF4 binding is hypothesized to cause the immune system to activate more platelets, causing them to stay together and reducing their number.
This leads to thrombosis (blood clotting) and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). TTS is characterized by blood clots with a low quantity of platelets. Unlike other types of blood clots, this mechanism is not like the usual process by which blood clots occur.
TTS appears to be caused by an abnormal immunological response, therefore current research suggests that persons who have had a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lung), or who use blood thinners regularly aren’t at a higher risk of developing TTS, so they are recommended to go for the Covishield Vaccine.
Alert: Government should take current studies into cognizance and must not allow those with a history of blood clots in the brain, abdomen, or a previous low platelet count after using the blood-thinning drug heparin.
Go for Vaccination without any fear
The quality of testing and therapy has improved. Diagnostic tests and recommendations for recognizing and treating TTS instances are a significant advancement. Patients with a low platelet count, indications of a blood clot, and antibodies directed against PF4 are the most common symptoms. Many of these tests can be completed in a short amount of time. Treatment can now begin right away, using particular blood thinners and immune-suppressing drugs.
So, what are normal side effects?
Any vaccine can cause general adverse effects. These symptoms, which occur in the first two days following immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine, include headaches, fever (chills), muscle and joint pain. stomach ache Fatigue ache at the injection site, which usually goes away with simple remedies like paracetamol.
What could signal a clot?
Blood clots in TTS often occur in unusual locations, such as the veins of the abdomen (splanchnic vein thrombosis) and the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis). The symptoms often occur four to thirty days after receiving the jab and persistent or severe headache, blurred or double vision, shortness of breath, severe abdomen, back, or chest discomfort, swelling, redness, discomfort in a leg, and unusual bleeding or bruising could indicate TTS after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccination. If you have any of these symptoms within four to thirty days after your immunization, seek urgent medical attention.
I am pro Vaccines and I want Covaxin Phase 3 trial data, peer-reviewed studies; Clarity over how many people got COVID infection after 1st or 2nd dose (Covaxin / Covishield). And how many of them had to get hospitalized, several people who died after vaccination. Most importantly with what variant because we need genome sequencing and tracking of mutations. Risks and advantages must be balanced and in my opinion, while TTS is extremely uncommon and the ‘Covishield’ is safe; some people may have concerns and desire to talk to their doctor about them. This is necessary for people to make an informed decision.
