A woman died in Germany as a result of a side effect following the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccination, Herford County authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia reported, citing autopsy results.
According to the Institute for Immunology and Transfusiology at the University of Greifswald, an immune response to the vaccine resulted in the death of a 32-year-old woman. The cause of death was a blood clotting disorder with cerebral hemorrhage, an autopsy showed.
The woman died on March 9, a few days after being vaccinated against COVID-19. After her death, an autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause.
The use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine was completely discontinued in Germany on March 15 as a precautionary measure after information about thromboembolic side effects associated with vaccination. After the European drug agency EMA announced that the vaccine was safe and effective, Germany resumed vaccination from March 19.
The Standing Commission on Vaccinations (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute on March 30 changed their recommendations for the use of AstraZeneca: it is now intended to vaccinate people over 60 years of age. People under the age of 60 who receive their first AstraZeneca vaccine will be re-vaccinated with Biontech or Moderna, STIKO said.