'Devastated': BBC presenter, 44, dies after Covid vaccine jab

A BBC radio presenter, whose family say suffered "bleeding in her head" days after taking the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination, has died, with an investigation into the cause of the 44-year-old's death now underway.

Lisa Shaw, who had been with BBC Radio Newcastle since 2016, fell seriously ill about a week after her first jab and was later treated for blood clots, the BBC reported.

Her symptoms began with severe headaches.

Her condition deteriorated and she was later admitted to ICU, her family said in a statement.

"Lisa developed severe headaches a week after receiving her AstraZeneca vaccine and fell seriously ill a few days later," they said.

"She was treated by the Royal Victoria Infirmary intensive care team for blood clots and bleeding in her head."

She died last Friday.

• Leigh Sales blasts health minister over 'underwhelming' vaccine rollout

• Fears hundreds missed by tracers as Covid surge splits into two outbreaks

• 'PERFECT STORM': Victoria 'primed' for third wave as exposure spreads

An investigation by the coroner is now underway to determine whether the blood clots led to her death.

An interim fact-of-death certificate seen by the BBC says complications from the vaccine will be a consideration in determining the cause of her death.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it was evaluating her death, but reminded such cases of blood clots as a result of the AstraZeneca jab were extremely rare.

There have been 58 reported deaths from blood clotting as a result of the jab in the UK from 35 million doses administered.

In Australia, adults under the age of 50 are advised to take an alternative jab to AstraZeneca.

There have been 24 cases of blood clots out of 2.1 million doses of AstraZeneca in Australia, while only one person has died.

Shaw was not known to have any underlying health problems.

Tributes to BBC presenter Lisa Shaw

Her family paid tribute to Shaw in the wake of her death.

"We are devastated and there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that can never be filled. We will love and miss her always," they said.

"It's been a huge comfort to see how loved she was by everyone whose lives she touched."

The BBC described Shaw as a "loved" and "brilliant presenter".

Hundreds of listeners also left their condolences, many saying they will sorely miss her on the radio.

"She was a lovely, warm, bouncy person who brightened up my lunchtimes and enriched the lives of friends, colleagues and listeners," one person wrote on Twitter.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.