LINCOLN, NE — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says the COVID-19 vaccine was listed on a death certificate as one of several causes of the death of a Nebraska man in his late 40s. The death has been reported to the CDC's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
DHHS noted the man, who died on January 17, had several other serious health problems and was living at a long-term care facility. He received the first dose of the vaccine in early January. Reporting any possible adverse affect of the vaccine is standard procedure, according to DHHS, as is a review of the occurrence by the CDC and the FDA.
Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer said, “Residents of Long-term care facilities have been made a high priority in the State to receive vaccinations, due to higher mortality rates in this medically frail population. We have confidence in the safety of the vaccine and understand that there may be questions about a situation such as this. Typically, COVID-19 vaccine deaths can be attributed to anaphylaxis and occur within a relatively short period after the vaccine is given, which is why monitoring is done. While I cannot speculate on this case, when individuals die days or weeks after the vaccine has been administered, it is more likely due to other underlying factors. It is really important for individuals that have high-risk conditions to consult their medical provider about the best approach to getting vaccinated.”
DHHS reiterated that vaccination is the best line of defense against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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