‘Patient likely died of heart attack, not vaccine’

An panel of experts on Wednesday unanimously took the view that a 63-year-old patient likely died of a heart attack on Sunday, and that his death had no direct link with the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine that he received two days before his passing.

The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following Covid-19 Immunisation held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to assess the case.

Co-convenor, Professor Ivan Hung, told a press conference that the experts went through the patient’s available records, including preliminary results of a post-mortem examination.

“The expert panel takes a unanimous view that there is no direct link between the vaccination and the patient’s death,” he said.

“The most likely cause of death is the patient’s coronary disease, leading to a heart attack and pulmonary edema, resulting in a deterioration of his breathing and then, death.”

Hung noted that the deceased suffered from multiple and severe medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and was also a heavy smoker.

He said the post-mortem revealed that he had severe blockages in three coronary arteries, but a more detailed report will not be available for another week or two.

“The vaccination programme will continue,” he said. “Elderly people and high-risk groups should get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Hung also appealed to members of the public who have severe and poorly-controlled chronic disease to consult their physicians before getting a Covid jab.