CDC review finds recent Nebraska death was unrelated to COVID-19 vaccine

LINCOLN, Neb. - The CDC’s full review of the death of Nebraska man who had received a COVID-19 vaccine is complete. The CDC didn’t find evidence that the vaccine contributed to the man’s death and in their opinion it was “coincidental.”

According the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, a man in his late 40s with a number of comorbidities, died between 1 and 2 weeks after receiving his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The man was also a long-term care facility resident.

The death was entered into VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a national vaccine safety surveillance program run by CDC and the FDA. Anytime a death or any adverse event occurs post vaccination, the case must be reported into VAERS. This process allows the CDC and FDA to closely monitor and assess any adverse events, for ongoing safety evaluations. The death occurred on Jan. 17 and the man received the vaccine the first week of January.

Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer said, “We cannot state enough the importance of Nebraska Finishing Strong as we see a light at the end of the tunnel with three vaccines available in our State. It simply is the best protection that we have and the best chance at returning to a sense of normalcy. I urge Nebraskans to sign up at vaccinate.Ne.Gov so that they are notified when it’s their turn. Those individuals who have high-risk conditions should consult their medical provider about the best approach to getting vaccinated.”