AstraZeneca Covid vaccine complications are said to be the cause of death for BBC radio presenter Lisa Shaw, a coroner has concluded.
Rare complications with the vaccine resulted in Ms Shaw’s death just over three weeks after her first dose of the vaccine.
The presenter complained of headaches after her first jab, and was admitted to hospital where doctors later found a haemorrhage on her brain.
Aged 44, the BBC presenter was treated for blood clots and bleeding in intensive care before passing away at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, an inquest has heard.
People aged under 40 in the UK have been offered alternatives to the AstraZeneca jab following the report of rare side-effects.
The jab can cause extremely rare blood clots on the brain coupled with low blood platelet count.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had said the benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine continue to outweigh risks for most people.
The jab can cause extremely rare blood clots on the brain coupled with low blood platelet count. (Image: Getty Images)
It has not proven the vaccine causes the clots but has said the link is getting firmer, but that cases remain “extremely low”.
Following the presenter’s death the MHRA said: “We are saddened to hear about the death of Lisa Shaw and our thoughts are with her family.
”As with any serious suspected adverse reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA, including an assessment of post-mortem details if available.
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The severe headaches experienced by Ms Shaw kicked in around a week after she received her first jab (Image: Getty Images)
It has not proven the vaccine causes the clots but has said the link is getting
“Our detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with thrombocytopenia is ongoing.”
The severe headaches experienced by Ms Shaw kicked in around a week after she received her first dose of the AstraZeneca jab, and her condition worsened in the days following.
The inquest which took place on Thursday, with Newcastle coroner Karen Dilks heard that Ms Shaw died following treatment in intensive care for blood clots and bleeding.
After the inquest, Lisa Shaw’s family issued a statement reading: “This is another difficult day in what has been a devastating time for us.
People aged under 40 in the UK have been offered alternatives to the AstraZeneca jab (Image: Getty Images)
“The death of our beloved Lisa has left a terrible void in our family and in our lives.
“She truly was the most wonderful wife, mum, daughter, sister and friend.
“We have said all we want to say in public at this time and ask to be left alone to grieve and rebuild our lives in private. Thank you.”
A statement released by the BBC referring to the award-winning radio presenter’s death back in May, read: “We are all completely heartbroken, in disbelief, numb, and saddened, that there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that will never, ever be filled.
“We are so grateful for the time that we have had with her, and there are so many happy memories that we will hold dear for the rest of our lives.”
They said: “She was the best wife and mammy, sister, daughter, aunty, friend and colleague that anyone could hope for.”
They also referred to Ms Shaw’s commitment to her work and that she “loved connecting every day with the wonderful people of the North East” and that she was an “integral part” of many people’s lives every day.
While a previous colleague Rik Martin, acting executive editor at BBC Radio Newcastle, added: “Everyone at the station is devastated and thinking about Lisa’s lovely family.
“She was a trusted colleague, a brilliant presenter, a wonderful friend, and a loving wife and mum. She loved being on the radio and was loved by our audiences. We’ve lost someone special who meant a great deal to a great many people.”
