Cold Coast Sunrise reporter Tamra Bow’s heartache as sister rushed to ICU after Covid jab

The family member of a well-known Gold Coast media identity has posted publicly about their struggle with an adverse reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Media identity Tamra Bow is in the midst of a “soul destroying” nightmare, left devastated as her older sister recovers in hospital after an adverse reaction to the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine.

Despite Natasha, 44, remaining hooked up to heart monitors and pumped with adrenaline, doctors are already urging her to try a different brand for her booster shot, Ms Bow claims.

The beloved Sunrise reporter revealed on social media Sunday evening that a “simple green tick” almost killed her sibling; going into anaphylactic shock minutes after her second jab was administered.

According to AusVaxSafety, a total 44.7 per cent of more than 5,700,000 people surveyed reported at least one adverse event from the Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, TGA reported a total 2.2 adverse events per 1000 doses administered as of November 28 last year

Gold Coast-based Sunrise reporter Tamra Bow.

According to Queensland Health, an adverse reaction can range from pain at the injection site, headaches, fevers and chills to more severe cases such as Myocarditis.

As a child Natasha reacted badly to vaccines, Mrs Bow explained, but even so still complied with Queensland’s jab mandate in order to remain employed and attend family functions.

Her first Covid jab presented some issues: “A throat closure, swollen lips and difficulty breathing dismissed as an anxiety attack after her first jab,” Mrs Bow told the Bulletin.

But it was the second dose on Thursday that almost killed Natasha.

An epi pen was quickly administered as the woman’s airways closed while paramedics made a mad dash to the Intensive Care Unit.

High doses of adrenaline followed – enough to prompt staff to monitor for potential cardiac issues – as distraught loved ones raced to be by Natasha’s side.

Natasha Bow in hospital after suffering anaphylaxis from the Covid vaccine. Picture: Tamra Bow

“Every time they try to take her off, she goes back into anaphylaxis,” Ms Bow said.

“They had to perform a microsurgery and give her a central groin vein just to administer the adrenaline, doctors said a normal vein would collapse due to the amount they’re putting in.

“Watching my sister struggle for air, be racked almost to the point of convulsion with dry retching and hooked up to heart monitors has been soul destroying.”

Natasha was moved from ICU on Sunday evening to the Acute Medical Unit where she will remain for at least another 24 hours: “Overall the staff have been phenominal,” she said.

“But unbelievably while still in intensive care, talk has turned to her receiving the booster.

“Despite her still receiving around the clock care and a nurse still stationed at her bedside 24/7 – doctors suggest trying another type.”

Ms Bow said the family – who say they are pro choice – were now in the process of seeking an exemption for her sister in the wake of the terrifying ordeal.

“She’s unbelievable and so strong. I’ll sit by her side with tears running down my face and she’ll make a little joke just to make you feel comfortable,” Ms Bow said.

“I asked her yesterday what the scariest thing about this was and she said she hadn’t been scared once – until the doctor started talking about boosters.

Doctors are reportedly urging the woman to try a different type of vaccine for her booster. Picture: Tamra Bow

“If and when the booster is mandated … we just want our precious Tash exempt and want others to be vigilant. If you feel off in anyway, seek help immediately

“That’s my sister’s main message, even while in hospital and sounding like she’s on her deathbed, she keeps saying she doesn’t want this to happen to other people.”

Gold Coast Health could not on comment on the specific case but a spokesman told the Bulletin: “It can be scary when someone experiences a serious adverse reaction,” he said.

“However, even for the very small portion of the population who do experience an adverse reaction to a vaccine, the benefits of receiving that vaccine will often outweigh the risk of contracting COVID-19.”

The spokesman said stringent protocols and procedures were in place in situations where a patient has an adverse allergic reaction to a Covid vaccine.

“Gold Coast Health follows the current advice of the state’s Chief Health Officer, which is that the Pfizer vaccine is recommended as a booster dose for anyone 16 years or older,” he said.

“General Practitioners and treating teams always consider the individual circumstances of their patient to ensure that the most appropriate advice is given.

“Gold Coast Health contributes to state and national safety monitoring, which allows rare and unexpected side effects to be picked up early and for the vaccine program, recommendations, and information to be updated as required.”

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