Petition filed in SC seeking expert panel formation to study Covishield risk factors

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, urging the formation of a panel of medical experts from AIIMS, Delhi, to conduct a comprehensive study on the Covishield vaccine and assess its potential side-effects and risk factors. The petitioner has sought the supervision of such a study by a retired SC judge. Additionally, the plea seeks directives from the Central government to establish a 'vaccine damage payment system' aimed at compensating citizens who have been severely disabled due to vaccination drives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The petition calls for compensation for individuals who have experienced severe disability or death as a result of side effects from the Corona vaccine administered during the pandemic. 

Controversy erupted when UK-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca admitted that its Covid vaccine could cause blood clot-related side effects 'in very rare cases'. The very same vaccine was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) and was known in India as Covishield.

According to health experts, the occurrence of these side effects is more prevalent among young individuals. Symptoms may include typical blood clots in areas like the legs or lungs, along with a low platelet count. Additionally, individuals may experience severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg swelling, difficulty breathing, cognitive impairment, or seizures. It is advised that individuals experiencing these symptoms post-vaccination seek immediate medical attention. Confirmation of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) requires a positive anti-PF4 ELISA test.