An elderly man passed out and died in Manhattan on Sunday morning, shortly after receiving a vaccine against COVID-19 at the Javits Center, said a health official.
The 70-year-old man fell when he was leaving the building, about 25 minutes after his vaccination, according to a statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
“The initial indications are that the man had no allergic reaction to the vaccine,” said Zucker in his statement.
During a necessary observation period of 15 minutes after vaccination, the man showed no adverse effects from the injection, said Zucker.
Rescuers delivered help “in seconds”, but the man later died at a nearby hospital, according to the health commissioner.
“Public health experts agree that the vaccine is safe and, along with continued surveillance, including wearing a mask and social detachment, it will end the pandemic,” said Zucker.
“I encourage all qualified New Yorkers to be vaccinated.”
Additional reporting by Kenneth Garger