Australian woman dies from blood clots after AstraZeneca vaccine
A 52-year-old woman from NSW has died from blood clots after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration confirmed on Thursday the woman was one of four cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) linked to the vaccine that have emerged in the past week.
TTS is a condition that involves serious blood clots with a low blood platelet count.
The woman had a “severe case” and formed a blood clot on the brain, the TGA said.
“We extend our sincere condolences to her family,” a press release reads.
The other three cases of TTS include a NSW man, 77, a 70-year-old from South Australia and an 87-year-old woman from South Australia.
Four other probable cases were also identified in the past week.
Three of the cases are in NSW - a woman, 50, and two men aged 83 and 91.
Another case was seen in a 74-year-old Victorian woman.
Out of the 3.6 million doses of Astrazeneca administered since May 31, the TGA has seen 48 total cases of TTS.
Of the 48 cases, 31 have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering. Another 15 are still being treated in hospital, with one critically ill person in intensive care.
Two people, including the 52-year-old NSW woman, have died in hospital. The other person was a man, 55, who died eight days after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine and developing blood clots on his lungs.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it is "an extremely rare event, to get these serious clots."
"...But when they happen, as we have seen in this case, it can have tragic circumstances. My heart goes out to the family, and all the friends and colleagues of this particular person."
He said AstraZeneca is "absolutely key" for Australia to be safe from Covid.
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