There has been recent media coverage regarding the tragic death of a woman in New South Wales from blood clots. It has been reported that she had recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.

 At this stage it has not been confirmed that her death was linked to the vaccine. NSW Health have not confirmed if the woman was living with diabetes.

Rather than speculating, it is appropriate we wait for the TGA to undertake its investigation to determine what role, if any, the vaccine had in her death.

Health experts advise that people with diabetes are not at higher risk of developing the very rare type of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Australian Government’s expert advice is that the risk of bloods clots with the AstraZeneca vaccine is very low.

The risk of severe COVID-19 illness for people with diabetes is far greater than the risk of complications with vaccines. The recommendation remains that adults with diabetes should get vaccinated. We encourage people with diabetes to talk to their doctor or other health professional about their personal circumstances.  

We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide more information as we receive it.