According to a report published on June 10th, 2021, on CNN.com, the story about a link between the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines and cardiac illness may be getting a clearer picture.
Here’s the story.
On June 1st, a report was published by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. According to that report, a higher number of myocarditis/pericarditis cases were observed than what was expected, mostly among males 16 to 24 years of age.
Myocarditis is basically an inflammation of the heart muscle.
Two weeks earlier, another report told a different story. It said that rates of myocarditis were not higher in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated people.
So the June 1st report was a departure from this original story.
What Does The CDC Say About It?
According to the official Covid-19 safety page regarding the potential side effect, myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart.
It also says that since April of 2021, there has been an increase in reported cases of both conditions happening after the mRNA Covid vaccines.
According to the CDC, these reports are ‘rare.’ They also say that they’re currently monitoring the reports, reviewing medical records, and looking at data to learn more about whether the reports are actually connected to the Covid vaccine.
Who Has Been Suffering From This Side Effect?
According to reports, male adolescents ages 16 and older are most likely to report it.
It is also more likely to occur after the second dose of the vaccine, and occurs within several days of vaccination.
How Bad Is It?
According to the CDC, patients who have received care responded well to medical attention and rest, and felt better quickly.
Patients who have been treated are generally cleared to return to their normal activities after their symptoms improve.
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
According to the CDC, symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling like your heart is beating fast, fluttering, or pounding
The CDC says that if you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms a week or so after getting the Covid vaccine, that you should seek medical care.
Is It Still Safe To Get The Vaccine?
According to several notable medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, even if there’s a small risk of getting myocarditis as a result of vaccination, the risk for complications are ‘heavily outweighed’ by the risks posed by a complicated Covid 19 infection.
In other words, according to all official reports, the CDC continues to recommend Covid-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older.
Here’s what the CDC says about it on their official Covid-19 myocarditis and pericarditis page.
“The known and potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. Also, most patients with myocarditis and pericarditis who received care responded well to medicine and rest and quickly felt better.”
