AstraZeneca Halts Global Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine Due to Surplus of Alternatives

AstraZeneca has announced the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing an abundance of updated vaccine options available since the onset of the pandemic.

The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company stated, “As multiple variant COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, there is now a surplus of updated vaccines.” Consequently, demand for its vaccine, known as Vaxzevria since 2021, has diminished, leading to its discontinuation in manufacturing and supply.

In addition to halting production, AstraZeneca plans to withdraw the marketing authorizations for the vaccine within Europe.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has not been available in Australia since March 21, 2023, following concerns about a rare but serious side effect known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TSS), as reported by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

TSS involves the development of blood clots (thrombosis) combined with a low blood platelet count. Notably, other COVID-19 vaccines do not carry the same risk of TSS.

Following reports of TSS associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in March 2021, Australia’s immunization advisory group updated its recommendations, suggesting alternative vaccines for individuals under 50 due to their slightly elevated risk of developing the condition. This recommendation was later extended to those under 60 from June 2021.

The Department of Health estimated the incidence of TSS from Vaxzevria to be approximately two cases per 100,000 individuals over 60 and two to three cases per 100,000 individuals under 60, with reported cases spanning various age groups, ranging from mild to fatal.

With 13 million doses administered in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recorded 173 “probable” or “confirmed” cases of TSS, including 14 deaths associated with COVID-19 vaccination, eight of which were linked to TSS.

AstraZeneca has acknowledged the vaccine’s side effects, including blood clotting, in court documents related to a UK class action lawsuit, as reported by The Telegraph.

The decision to withdraw the vaccine was initiated on March 5 and came into effect on May 7, according to the newspaper.

In response to declining COVID-19 medicine sales, AstraZeneca has shifted its focus to respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and obesity drugs, as evidenced by several deals struck last year.

Current guidance from the Department of Health recommends a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as the primary course for most Australians, with a booster dose recommended annually for individuals aged 65 and over.