Toronto father first in Ontario to die from blood clot linked to AstraZeneca vaccine

A 40-year-old Toronto father of two is the first person in Ontario to die from blood clot related issues linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Dr. Barbara Yaffee, Ontario’s Associated Medical Officer of Health, today confirmed the man’s death which occurred just weeks after receiving his first doze of AstraZeneca near the end of April.

Dr. Yaffee said the man had vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia — or VITT — which caused his death. She added researchers are still investigating the case.

“In the wake of this tragic death I can understand the concern people have towards this vaccine,” Dr. Yaffe said. “I want to reiterate that people who received the dose should feel very confident about their health.”

Across Canada 12 people have died of VITT linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine but health officials still maintain the health risks remain low.