Wellington – A woman’s death has been linked back to the Pfizer vaccine, the first recorded death in New Zealand linked to the vaccine.
The Covid-19 Vaccine Independent Safety Monitoring Board advised the Ministry of Health that the woman had developed myocarditis, a severe side affect, after receiving the Pfizer jab. Myocarditis is a rare side effect of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
This is the first case in New Zealand where a death in the days following vaccination has been linked to the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. The case has now been referred to the Coroner to determine the cause of death.
Last month, Medsafe issued a safety alert to raise awareness of the relatively recently discovered side affect; myocarditis. CV-ISMB Chair Dr John Tait reassured health officials are still confident in the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in New Zealand. The board has advised the Ministry of Health to ensure health professionals are aware of the signs of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Up to August 7, five deaths were still under investigation by the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring over whether they were linked to the vaccine.