An award-winning BBC radio presenter died due to complications from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, a coroner has concluded.
The mother-of-one was treated in intensive care for blood clots and bleeding, but died on May 21 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.
“Lisa died due to complications of an AstraZeneca COVID vaccination,” Newcastle Coroner Karen Dilks heard.
Prior to receiving her first dose of the vaccine, Shaw was fit and healthy, pathologist Tuomo Polvikoski told the coroner.
Dilks concluded that Shaw’s death was caused by “a rare and aggressive complication associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine,” vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, also known as VITT, which leads to swelling and bleeding of the brain.
Polvikoski said clinical evidence “strongly suggests” that the fatal clotting was “vaccine-induced.”
“Based on available clinical information, it seems to be the most likely explanation,” he added.
The inquest into Shaw’s death was attended by her husband, Gareth Eve, and other family members.
“This is another difficult day in what has been a devastating time for us. The death of our beloved Lisa has left a terrible void in our family and in our lives,” the family said in a statement. “She truly was the most wonderful wife, mum, daughter, sister, and friend.”
“We have said all we want to say in public at this time and ask to be left alone to grieve and rebuild our lives in private. Thank you.”
There has been scrutiny of the AstraZeneca vaccine on the issue of blood clots, with a higher incidence in younger people.
But the British government has repeatedly stressed that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine continue to outweigh risks for most people.
To date, there have been 73 recorded deaths in the UK after 24.8 million first doses and 23.9 million second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Dr. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said that the agency will be reviewing the coroner’s verdict.
Shaw previously worked in commercial radio and won a Sony Gold Award in 2012 for the breakfast show she hosted on Real Radio with co-host Gary Philipson.
