Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the ADS and ADEA

ADEA update as of 19 April 2021

ADEA acknowledges that many of the facts in this case have been clarified. (Please see the TGA statement here) However, the medical recommendation remains the same, as does the Government’s guidance.

The Government advises that for eligible people over the age of 50, the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks, and for those under the age of 50, the Pfizer vaccine is recommended. ADEA recommends that all individuals speak to their health provider about their personal situation.

ADEA wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Genene Norris on their tragic loss.

Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and ADEA (16 April 2021)

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 has 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.

Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the ADS and ADEA

ADEA update as of 19 April 2021

ADEA acknowledges that many of the facts in this case have been clarified. (Please see the TGA statement here) However, the medical recommendation remains the same, as does the Government’s guidance.

The Government advises that for eligible people over the age of 50, the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks, and for those under the age of 50, the Pfizer vaccine is recommended. ADEA recommends that all individuals speak to their health provider about their personal situation.

ADEA wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Genene Norris on their tragic loss.

Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and ADEA (16 April 2021)

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 has 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.