A 63-year-old woman in South Africa reportedly died while waiting to receive her COVID-19 vaccination in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday afternoon.

Security Company, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), said the deceased’s family called for help from vaccination centre, at the Tongaat Sports Stadium in Victoria Avenue, at approximately 15:02 on Tuesday.

When RUSA medics arrived at the scene, they found the 63-year-old woman in the backseat of a green vehicle. Unfortunately, she was declared dead upon assessment by the medics.

“According to medical staff at the vaccination centre, the female went into respiratory distress prior to receiving her vaccination,” said RUSA.

The doctors at the vaccination centre reportedly tried to stabilise the deceased but her condition deteriorated rapidly, which is when her family decided to drive her to a medical facility for treatment and loaded her into their vehicle.

When they noticed that the woman was unresponsive, RUSA was called for assistance.

According to RUSA, the family told the medics that the deceased had not received the vaccine before her death.

As of Sunday, 20 June, KwaZulu-Natal has vaccinated 493 684 individuals, including Health Care Workers – who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine – and elderly residents aged 60 and older with their first dose of the Pfizer jab.