Lisa Shaw, who worked as a radio host for BBC radio, died at the age of 44 after developing headaches a week after getting her first dose of a COVID vaccine. Shaw received her first dose on April 29 and was taken by ambulance to a hospital on May 13 after headaches persisted for many days. She later died on May 29 after doctors concluded she had suffered a brain hemorrhage.
As National File previously reported, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of death. A coroner has now concluded that Shaw’s death was a result of vaccine side effects.
“Lisa died due to complications of an AstraZeneca Covid vaccination,” said Newcastle Coroner Karen Dilks. Dilks stated that Shaw was healthy but concluded that it was “clearly established” that her death was due to a “vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia”, a condition which leads to swelling and bleeding of the brain.
Tuomo Polvikoski, a pathologist, told the coroner Shaw was fit and healthy before receiving the vaccine. Polvikoski suspected her death was vaccine induced given her previously good health and called her death surprising. He inferred that her death was “indeed vaccine induced” given the timetable. Dilks called the condition “very rare” but has agreed with Polvikoski’s conclusion.
To date, there have been 417 reported cases of and 72 deaths in the UK. 24.8 million first doses and 23.9 million second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in the UK since rollout.
Dr. Alison Cave, who serves as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s chief safety officer, said they would be “reviewing” the coroner’s verdict. “The benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca continue to outweigh the risks for most people,” Cave said. “It is therefore still vitally important that people come forward for their vaccination and for their second dose when invited to do so.”