A coroner has ruled that BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Lisa Shaw died from complications from the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
The presenter died aged 44 on May 21, 2021, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, just over three weeks after her first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
An inquest was held today, which heard that Shaw was admitted to hospital after complaining of headaches.
Newcastle coroner Karen Dilks heard Shaw suffered blood clots in the brain which ultimately led to her death.
Dilks said: ‘Lisa died due to complications of an AstraZeneca Covid vaccination.’
The condition linked with the AstraZeneca vaccine is very rare, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that the number of cases remains extremely low in the context of the millions of doses administered.
A previous statement from the MHRA said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Ms Shaw and our thoughts are with her family.
Over 81 million vaccines against Covid-19 have now been administered in the UK, saving thousands of lives through the biggest vaccination programme that’s ever taken place in this country.
‘No effective medicine or vaccine is without risk and our advice remains that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks in the majority of people and it’s still vitally important that people come forward for their vaccination and for their second dose when invited to do so.’
Around 85% of those who suffered rare and severe clots after getting the AstraZeneca jab were under 60, and the decision was made to restrict its use for the under-40s.
Since then, no new cases have been reported.
Shaw joined BBC Radio in 2016 as a daytime presenter, and previously had successful stints at Heart and Metro Radio.
Following the news of Shaw’s death, her BBC colleagues said: ‘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.
‘She was the best wife and mammy, sister, daughter, aunty, friend and colleague that anyone could hope for.
‘She loved connecting every day with the wonderful people of the North East, and it gives us great comfort to know how many lives she was an integral part of every single day.’
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