• UGI USER
  • May 04, 2024
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“INSIGHTS AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN THE POST-COVID ERA”

Syllabus:

  • GS-3-Health care and vaccine development , Advancement in the field of science and technology

Focus :

  • Top of Form
  • The focus of the article is on the recent revelation of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, including an overview of TTS, assessment of reporting rates and risk factors, responses from various countries, ethical dilemmas and legal ramifications, and the importance of trust in vaccine safety amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
 Source - TH

Introduction:

  • Overview of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccineand its widespread use in India’s Covid-19 vaccination program.
  • Recent revelations regarding the rare adverse side effect known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

Understanding Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS):

  • Explanation of TTS, also known as vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) or vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VIIT).
  • Symptoms, classification into tiers, and association with adenoviral vector Covid-19 vaccines.
Thrombosis-

When a blood clot, or thrombus, forms in a blood vessel or the heart and blocks  blood flow, it can cause thrombosis, a  dangerous condition. If the clot becomes lodged in a vital place, it has the potential to rupture and spread to other regions of the body, potentially  posing a serious threat to life.

AstraZeneca –

AstraZeneca is a multinational biopharmaceutical corporation that prioritizes innovation driven by research to enhance the therapeutic effects experienced by patients. The company’s goal is to unleash the potential of science for the benefit of people, society, and the environment in order to change healthcare.

Risk Assessment and Reporting Rates:

  • Examination of TTS reporting rates and fatality rates per million doses administered across different countries.
  • Factors influencing reporting rates and susceptibility to TTS, including variations in vaccine use recommendations and demographic factors.

Response and Actions Taken:

  • Overview of countries’ responses to TTS concerns, including vaccine suspensions and withdrawals.
  • Diverging views between vaccine safety experts and public health authorities regarding the risk-benefit profile of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Ramifications:

  • Discussion on the ethical dilemmas faced by courts in resolving compensation claims and addressing vaccine-related concerns.
  • Analysis of the WHO’s criteria for vaccine confidence and the importance of trust in vaccine effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion:

  • Recap of key findings regarding TTS and its association with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
  • Reflection on the ethical considerationsand legal implications surrounding vaccine safety and public trust

Source:Indian Express  

Mains Practice Question :

GS-3

” Discuss the recent developments regarding the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and its association with Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by courts and the importance of trust in vaccine safety.” (250 words)