June 13, 2021
We clearly have an imbalance there.
Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, CDC’s Immunization Safety Office, on higher than expected reports of young people with myocarditis after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Shimabukuro also noted: “The observed reports are exceeding the expected — based on the background, the known background rates that are published in the literature. It’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, because again, these are preliminary reports. Not all of these will turn out to be true myocarditis or pericarditis reports.”
Here’s what we know:
- 475 of myocarditis or pericarditis in those 30 and younger after receiving an COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna).
- Most (81%) recovered completely.
- Some (15) remain in the hospital.
- Most cases seem to occur in men after the second dose.
Context: COVID-19 can also cause myocarditis.
Dr. Marty Makary: “Healthy teenagers should hold off on getting the 2nd vac dose until the CDC investigates cases of myocarditis.”
Why This Matters: The existence of this condition isn’t necessarily alarming; the CDC expected *some* cases of this inflammation that can cause irregular heart beats (the condition can be mild or severe), but the *number* of cases has given health officials pause and raised concerns about long-term effects (such as potential heart scarring). The CDC will hold an emergency meeting on June 18th to discuss what we know about this condition. Important to note: health officials cannot conclusively say the vaccine CAUSED this inflammation, but it’s the association that’s raising questions.
by Jenna Lee,
