AstraZeneca has globally withdrawn its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, due to rare cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

The vaccine withdrawal is already in effect in the EU and will expand to the UK and other regions.

Despite Vaxzevria being linked to blood clots and low platelet counts, resulting in at least 81 deaths in the UK, AstraZeneca cites 'commercial reasons' for its withdrawal, including being superseded by newer vaccines.

The company is facing lawsuits from individuals alleging harm from the vaccine but denies the legal action is related to the withdrawal.

AstraZeneca emphasizes that patient safety remains their top priority and contests the ongoing lawsuits, while governments compensate individuals for vaccine-related side effects.

The European Medicines Agency anticipates the phase-out of all 'monovalent' Covid-19 vaccines as the pandemic evolves.