Investigation underway after elderly man died shortly after receiving COVID vaccine at Javits Center – CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An investigation is underway after the death of an elderly man shortly after receiving a COVID vaccine at the Javits Center.

State health officials say a man in his 60s – whose name has not been released – collapsed 25 minutes after being shot and later died in hospital Sunday morning, CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported.

In a statement, the state health commissioner said, during the 15-minute observation period after receiving the vaccine, “… he exhibited no adverse effects or distress.”

COVID VACCINE

“Until we know more about the detailed medical history of this patient, or one or two others who have had something similar, we won’t really know what caused it,” said Dr Max. Gomez from CBS2.

State health officials don’t believe the man had an allergic reaction – a rare but possible side effect. According to the CDC, 10 allergic reactions and no deaths have been reported out of nearly 4.1 million doses of the Moderna vaccine administered from Dec.21 to Jan.10.

“So far it has been extremely safe. I mean, we have, around the world, vaccinated several million people with really very few unwanted side effects, compared to the possibility of contracting COVID, ”Gomez said.

CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC

This is why the medical community supports the safety of the vaccine. So far, nearly a million people in New York City have been vaccinated.

The medical examiner is investigating the man’s death, but it is too early to link the vaccine to the patient’s death.

COVID vaccination sites, including the Javits Center, remain open throughout the city. Health professionals say the possibility of contracting COVID is still a much greater threat.