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Rory Nairn: Pharmacist faulted for not warning of myocarditis risk from Covid-19 vaccine

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2024

The Health and Disability Commissioner has criticised a pharmacist for not providing enough information to Rory Nairn before he received the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

The 26-year-old Dunedin plumber died on 17 November 2021, 12 days after he was vaccinated against the virus.

A coronial inquest into the death in 2022 found his death was caused by myocarditis defined as inflammation of the heart muscle.

“I find that Rory James Nairn, aged 26, died on 17 November 2021 at … Dunedin. The cause of his death was myocarditis, due to vaccination with the Comirnaty TM Pfizer/BioN Tech Covid-19 vaccine,” coroner Sue Johnson said.

“My inquiry into Rory’s death is not yet concluded. I have yet to establish the circumstances of his death.”

But in further findings released on Monday, Johnson said the pharmacist who administered the jab did not inform Nairn of myocarditis because it was deemed “a very rare side-effect of the vaccine”.

In the following days following the vaccination, Nairn complained several times about his chest feeling “weird”.

On 17 November, he told his fiancée of the same feeling in the chest.

They discussed going to the hospital, but he said he would go to his own doctor later that morning.

He later collapsed and died in the couple’s bathroom.

The pharmacist had previously told the inquest she was not made aware of an expectation to inform patients of rare side-effects.

“This was because there had been material received through a number of sources detailing that risk.

“But she also said that she was not aware of any requirement to specifically discuss that with a customer on or before 5 November 2021.

“And that on the instructions of [her operating manager], she did not advise customers for vaccination about rare side-effects of the vaccine, such as myocarditis.”

The pharmacy manager also gave similar evidence, explaining she did not consider Nairn should have been advised about myocarditis before being vaccinated.

But he needed to be advised to contact the pharmacy or his doctor if he developed symptoms after the vaccination, she said.

Information sheets in the booth did not list myocarditis as a side-effect, but did advise if a person experienced a “racing heart or chest pain” in the days after the vaccine, medical attention should be sought.

A search of Nairn’s phone showed internet searches of “heart racing” and “myocarditis”.

Coroner Johnson said she was satisfied she did not need to make any recommendations as the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) had carried out a thorough investigation.

Commissioner Morag McDowell said he should have been told about the rare but serious risk of myocarditis and to watch out for any symptoms as part of safety-netting advice.

While there was a breach of his right to be informed about the risks, she did not find the code had been breached.

“She considered that there were significant mitigating factors in this case, including that official information sources did not make it adequately clear to vaccinators that consumers needed to be told about myocarditis prior to receiving the vaccination,” the report said.

But she noted that official guidance explicitly stated consumers must be advised about the symptoms, criticising the pharmacy for not picking this up and amending its processes.

“The commissioner was also critical that the vaccinating pharmacist did not inform the consumer about myocarditis, and, in particular, the symptoms of myocarditis, as part of safety-netting advice,” the report said.

McDowell noted the pharmacy had changed its practice since his death so the risk of myocarditis was specifically discussed.

She recommended that the pharmacy updated their informed consent processes and safety-netting advice for Covid-19 vaccines, sending their updated procedures to the commission within three months of the report.

She recommended Te Whatu Ora considered updating its guidelines to clarify when providers should discuss the risks and symptoms of myocarditis along with other side-effects.

“Lessons can be learned from this case about the fundamental importance, in the context of new vaccines and emerging risks, of explicit guidance to vaccinators about what information they must give to consumers.”

‘A small amount of closure’

Nairn’s partner said she did no blame the pharmacy or pharmacist who administered the vaccine.

But Ashleigh Wilson said there was a profound grief and a lot of anger towards a system that had failed its people.

“The decision brings a small amount of closure, however it is disappointing that no one will be held accountable for such a needless death,” she said.

She did not blame the pharmacy involved – which has name suppression – saying it was common practice for pharmacies not to advise consumers of heart-related side effects.

“The pharmacy was simply following the practices and protocols set out by ministry of health who unfortunately did not make clear the risks associated with the vaccination and that myocarditis could be a potential side effect,” Wilson said.

“At the coronial inquest we saw no evidence from the official sources in any documents that stated myocarditis could be fatal and instead it was called ‘rare and in most cases mild’.”

Nairn would be missed every day for the rest of their lives, she said.

VIA RNZ

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Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2026

News Staff

Police say a person who fired a gun at officers in Napier is still at large.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb said Police tried to stop a vehicle in the Pirimai Area at about 10pm on Tuesday.

He said someone in the back seat pointed what was presumed to be a firearm at officers pursuing the vehicle.

“Staff have then heard two distinct gunshots as the firearm was discharged.

“Fortunately, neither of our officers were injured, and the patrol vehicle did not sustain any damage.”

He said hours later, the vehicle was seen travelling north on the Waikato Expressway towards Auckland.

Police seized the vehicle at an address in Manurewa, but they had not found the alleged offender.

Lamb said people who lived at the Manurewa address were engaging with Police.

He said Eastern District and Counties Manukau Police were making enquiries.

“Presenting a firearm at a Police officer is a serious escalation that puts our staff and the wider community at risk. This behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the offender and hold them accountable.”

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Police on 105 or online using the reference number 261111/3764.

Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

rnz

Latest News

New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The players tasked with ending Australia’s Rugby League World Cup dominance have been named.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have announced their squads for this Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane.

Both sides are chasing their first titles since 2008, and both are looking to end their opponents run of three crowns in a row.

“Our Kiwi Ferns have been so dominant in years gone by, and we want to bring dominance back to this jersey, so I think it will be a case of who wants it more,” said co-captain Georgia Hale of the impending clash.

The Kiwis get a major boost for the final as they welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo after he served a one-match ban for a high tackle against Fiji Bati.

Mulitalo replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the six-man bench, which again includes utility Te Maire Martin, middle forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison plus fullback Keano Kini.

Loose forward Joseph Tapine will make his 30th Test appearance in a familiar pack again, including second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora, and props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

Winger Jamayne Isaako is on the cusp of claiming the New Zealand record for most Test points.

His five goals against Tonga lifted his career points tally to 225 – level with Shaun Johnson – while centre Casey McLean goes into the final with 16 tries in just eight Tests.

Fisher-Harris will again captain the team.

Fullback Ponga said the goal of the group was clear.

“We have high expectations around what we want to achieve, and obviously winning a world Cup is one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Henry has selected a settled side to take on the Jillaroos, led by their lethal centre combination of Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga.

Veteran Apii Nicholls takes the number one jersey, Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki on the wings.

Henry has stuck with his halves pairing of Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Raecene McGregor with Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale and Otesa Pule up front.

Rounding out the starting pack is Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

“We have been building well throughout the tournament; we understand the Jillaroos side, and will give it our all to make New Zealand proud this weekend,” said Henry.

RLWC Finals:

Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos- 6.10pm

Kiwis vs Kangaroos – 9.35pm

Sunday November 15

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

Kiwi Ferns:

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.

Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Zahara Temara 20. Brianna Clark 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.

Kiwis:

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (v/c).

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.

Reserves: 18. Keano Kini, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Leo Thompson.

rnz

Latest News

Parliamentary Service working on extra chairs and offices for increased number of MPs

Published

4 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The chief executive of the Parliamentary Service is confident there will be enough room to accommodate the increased number of MPs and their staff coming into Parliament.

On current numbers, up to 131 MPs could be sitting in the Chamber following the election, brought on by a record overhang result.

Clerk of the House of Representatives Dr David Wilson told the Spinoff that currently the debating chamber had enough chairs to seat 124 MPs – including the Speaker of the House – and work was being done to accommodate more by altering the seating arrangement.

In a statement, Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said planning for a larger Parliament had been going for “some time”.

“Now that the election results have confirmed an increase to the number of members we are looking at several options.

“We are confident we will be able to accommodate all members within the Chamber.”

Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Service Rafael Gonzalez-Montero appears before select committee. — Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero.

VNP / Phil Smith

Gonzalez-Montero said office accommodation for members and their staff would be “stretched” for a short time, but the new Members’ Building was only a few months away from “practical completion”.

That building – located behind Parliament – was due to be ready to occupy in April next year and had capacity to accommodate around 30 backbench MPs.

“All members should be in fit-for-purpose accommodation from that point,” Gonzalez-Montero said.

Following the 2023 election, 123 MPs sat in the Chamber – a record number at the time. That decreased to 122 following the resignation of National MP Judith Collins.

Collins held the seat of Papakura and stepped down in May and Parliament voted against holding a by-election because it was too close to the election.

The election result also meant high-ranking National Party MPs like Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee – Speaker of the House and an MP for 30 years – would likely not make it back into Parliament.

Only resigning or retiring MPs were permitted to give a valedictory speech meaning none of them would get the chance to give a valedictory statement.

Asked if their would be special allowances for valedictories, Wilson said in a statement that normally only MPs were allowed to speak in the House but the House could suspend its own rules or temporarily alter them.

“It could do so to allow former members to address the House.”

Wilson said no such arrangements could be made until the next Parliament opened and members sworn in.

rnz