Journalists have a responsibility to not undermine the science and contribute to issues of vaccine hesitancy, according to the RACGP President.

NSW vaccine death

NSW woman dies of blood clots after jab

Investigation into post-jab death

NSW woman dies days after receiving Covid vaccine

NSW woman ‘dead from blood clots’ after COVID-19 vaccination

No change to vaccine advice for older Australians after woman’s death ‘likely’ linked to AstraZeneca jab

These are among the headlines that surfaced last week following the death of a 48-year-old woman in New South Wales who had suffered blood clots. She received the AstraZeneca vaccine from her GP on 8 April, prior to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s (ATAGI) decision that Pfizer be the preferred vaccine for patients under 50.

An investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and NSW Health found the death was ‘likely linked’ to the vaccine.

However, concerns have emerged over the media’s coverage and scrutiny of what is a very sensitive issue, and its impact on undermining public messaging amid the mass vaccination campaign.

Article originally published by NewsGP on the 16th April 2021. To read the full article click here.