Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner has determined a GP failed to provide appropriate care to a woman, identified as “Ms A,” who died four days after receiving the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
Despite suffering from a rare genetic disorder that could be complicated by cardiovascular disease, Ms A’s symptoms were dismissed, and critical follow-ups were neglected.
Ms A experienced severe symptoms shortly after vaccination, including cold hands, skin discolouration, and weakness. An abnormal ECG was recorded at the hospital, but the GP sent her home without consulting a specialist or reviewing her prior health records.
Four days later, she was found dead, with a coroner identifying pulmonary thromboembolism (a blood clot that travels to the lungs) as the cause of death. The coroner explained that her existing health problems, including severely clogged heart arteries and damage from high blood pressure, put her at constant risk of sudden death.
Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell criticised the GP for failing to act on the abnormal ECG, which breached Ms A’s consumer rights. While the GP issued a written apology, Caldwell ordered an additional letter to Ms A’s family.
Systemic flaws became evident due to technical delays in submitting an adverse event report to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.
