AstraZeneca has begun the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement, AstraZeneca said the decision was made because there is now a variety of newer vaccines that have been adapted for COVID-19 variants.
It said this surplus has led to a decline in demand for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied.
“According to independent estimates, over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use alone and over 3bn doses were supplied globally,” the statement reads.
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“Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic.
“We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The announcement follows the pharmaceutical company’s voluntary withdrawal of its European Union marketing authorisation, which is the approval to market a medicine in member states.
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On May 7, the European Medicines Agency issued a notice that the vaccine is no longer authorised for use.
The company is reported to have admitted for the first time in court documents that its COVID vaccine can cause a rare and dangerous side effect.
AstraZeneca has been under intense scrutiny in recent months over claims that its COVID vaccine causes blood clots and low blood platelet counts.
The vaccine was authorised for persons aged 18 and older, delivered as two injections about three months apart, usually into the muscle of the upper arm.
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It was also used by some countries as a booster shot.
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