A Florida doctor died about two weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, and investigations have started to determine whether the shot played a role in the man’s death.
Dr. Gregory Michael, a 56-year-old obstetrician-gynecologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, died on January 3. Michael received the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 18, but then experienced a “strong reaction” “just days later, according to his wife Heidi Neckelmann.
“In a Facebook post, Michael’s wife, Heidi Neckelmann, said he sought emergency care three days after the injection because he had spots on his skin that indicated internal bleeding,” USA Today reported.
Michael was reportedly suffering from a severe platelet deficiency, and doctors across the country reportedly tried to increase the platelet count to no avail. Due to his medical condition, Michael apparently suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and died within “minutes,” his wife said.
The Medical Examiner’s Office in Miami-Dade County performed an autopsy on Tuesday and has not ruled out a possible link to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The cause of death is pending completion of investigations being conducted by the medical examiner and the Centers for Disease Control,” Darren Caprara, director of operations at the district office, told the Miami Herald. “The case is still under investigation, so nothing has been finalized.”
Caprara said the doctor’s cause of death would be released after the medical examiner completed his investigation in conjunction with other agencies.
A spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the agency is “aware of a reported death in Florida of a person who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine approximately two weeks before his death.”
“CDC will evaluate the situation as more information becomes available and provide timely updates on what is known and any necessary action,” said the CDC spokesperson. “It has been a difficult year as we are all grappling with a global pandemic. The use of COVID-19 vaccines is the next step in our efforts to protect Americans and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pfizer released a statement about the death: “Pfizer and BioNTech are aware of the death of a healthcare professional 16 days after receiving a first dose” of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“It is a highly unusual clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia, a condition that reduces the body’s ability to clot blood and stop internal bleeding,” noted the pharmaceutical company. “We are actively investigating this matter, but we do not currently believe there is a direct link with the vaccine.”
The Mayo Clinic defines thrombocytopenia as a “condition in which you have a low platelet count,” where “the platelet count can be so low that dangerous internal bleeding occurs.” Thrombocytopenia “can occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or a problem with the immune system. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications.”
Pfizer stated, “No related safety signals have been identified in our clinical studies, post-marketing experience to date, or with the mRNA vaccine platform.”
“To date, millions of people have been vaccinated and we are closely monitoring all adverse events in individuals who receive our vaccine,” continued Pfizer. “It is important to note that serious adverse events, including deaths not related to the vaccine, are unfortunately likely to occur at the same rate as in the general population.”
According to Bloomberg’s COVID-19 vaccine tracker, 6.25 million doses have been administered in the United States since the vaccinations began on Dec. 14. 17.5 million doses of the coronavirus vaccines have been administered in 38 countries.
Mount Sinai Medical Center has released a statement stating that “appropriate authorities will be contacted immediately and will have our full cooperation.” The hospital said it “cannot confirm or deny information about a patient” due to medical privacy laws.
The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Florida Department of Health, the CDC, and Pfizer are all investigating Michael’s death.
“The CDC and the FDA are responsible for reviewing the safety data of COVID-19 vaccines and presenting that information for federal recommendations on vaccine administration,” Jason Mahon, communications director at Florida Division of Emergency Management, told USA Today. “The state will continue to provide all available information to the CDC as they conduct this investigation.”
The Facebook account that was reported to belong to the doctor’s wife said her “very healthy” husband “was a pro-vaccine advocate, so he got it himself.” The post added, “I think people should be aware that side effects can happen, that it’s not good for everyone and in this case has destroyed a beautiful life and a perfect family, and that it has destroyed so many people in the community. let his death be in vain, please save more lives by bringing this information news. “
Michael leaves behind his wife and a daughter.