By Canadian Press

New Brunswick reports blood clot death in connection with Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

May 5, 2021 | 8:54 AM

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick health officials are reporting the province’s first death of someone who developed a blood clot after receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

The individual in their 60s received the vaccine in mid-April and developed symptoms a week later, chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell told reporters Wednesday. She said the person was admitted to hospital and died two days later.

Russell said the risk of complications from the vaccine remains very low, between one in 100,000 and one in 250,000 doses, adding that hundreds of thousands of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered across Canada, the vast majority of them without incident.

New Brunswick has reported two cases of the rare blood-clotting syndrome known as vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, or VITT.

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard told the news conference that while the death is tragic, it’s important to remember that the risks of dying from COVID-19 are far greater than the risks associated with receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Prosperity through partnership and conversation

3h ago

Question of the Week

With King Charles III visiting Canada this week, do you feel the monarchy is relevant to Canadians?

May 26, 2025

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Exploring the Outdoors

May 26, 2025

Shephard said the vaccine will continue to be provided to people 55 and older in New Brunswick.

Russell said her office should receive medical advice in two weeks about whether people who had received one dose of AstraZeneca should get a second dose or opt for another vaccine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2021.

The Canadian Press