Second woman dies from extremely rare blood clots likely linked to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

The CMO discusses the death, noting 3.6 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered.

A second woman has died from an extremely rare form of blood clots that was likely linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The 52-year-old New South Wales woman died some time in the past week, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) saying she died from a clot in her brain.

“This case presented as a severe form of this syndrome,” the TGA said.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to her family.”

The TGA did not provide any more information about the woman, including whether she had any underlying medical conditions.

The Chief Medical Officer described the death as “extremely unfortunate” and said the woman received her vaccine a couple of weeks ago.

“My heart certainly goes out to the family and all the friends and colleagues of this particular person.”

Professor Kelly said the TGA was now also breaking down cases of clots into two “tiers”.

Tier one includes more severe forms of the clotting disorder, while Tier two cases have less serious effects.

“So we now have 15 cases either confirmed or probably that are that very serious clotting event,” the Chief Medical Officer said.

“So again, 15 out of 3.6 million doses, so extremely rare.

“In the second tier … 33 confirmed or probable cases have met the definition.”

Doctors getting ‘very good’ at treating clots

Professor Kelly reiterated that the clots were a “new syndrome” and Australia was picking up the mild forms of the clots more than anywhere else in the world.

“I would say we are getting very good at diagnosing and treating this particular event,” he said.

“But in this particular case that was not successful

“We will continue to learn from these unfortunate circumstances and will tie it into advice to all practitioners.”

The total number of people who have suffered the rare clotting disorder after receiving the vaccine is now 48, 31 of whom have been discharged from hospital and are recovering.

Fifteen cases are currently in hospital receiving care, including one person who is in intensive care.

The TGA said there were four new cases of blood clots in the past week that were likely linked to the vaccine, and a further four that were classified as “probable”.

Earlier this year, a 48-year-old woman died from blood clots likely to be linked to the vaccine.

Genene Norris, from the New South Wales Central Coast, was admitted to hospital four days after receiving the shot.

Ms Norris, who had underlying health conditions, received her vaccination on the same day the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the federal government announced the Pfizer vaccine would be the preferred jab for people under 50.

ABC