BBC presenter Lisa Shaw dies aged 44 after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine, family says

Shaw in 2021
Shaw in 2021 Photo credit: Twitter @LisaShawRadio

An-award winning BBC journalist and radio presenter has died aged 44 after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, her family says. 

Lisa Shaw's family told the BBC she was treated for blood clots days after her first jab. She passed away on May 21. 

An interim fact of death certificate confirms an investigation into Shaw's death will be held and lists a "complication of AstraZeneca COVID-19 virus vaccination" as a consideration for her passing. 

In a statement provided by the BBC, her family said she was treated for blood clots and "bleeding in her head".

"Tragically she passed away, surrounded by her family, on Friday afternoon. We are devastated and there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that can never be filled. We will love and miss her always," the statement read.

The document does not determine a cause of death and will not be issued until the investigation has been completed.

Shaw was not known to have any underlying health conditions before receiving the vaccine. 

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told the BBC that the benefits of people getting the vaccination exceed risks for most individuals. 

An MHRA spokesperson told the outlet they are saddened to hear about the death of Shaw and their thoughts are with her family at this time. 

"As with any serious suspected adverse reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA, including an assessment of post-mortem details if available.

"Our detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with thrombocytopenia is ongoing."

The agency said the number of cases remained "extremely low" in the United Kingdom. 

In April, Australia advised people under 50 should receive the Pfizer and BioNtech vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca jab. 

The AstraZeneca vaccine is not available in New Zealand and in March, several European countries hit pause on their roll-outs as a precautionary measure while they waited for more advice around reports of blood clots.