MONDAY, July 12, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks, including myocarditis, for all ages, according to an update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) published in the July 9 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Julia W. Gargano, Ph.D., from the CDC COVID-19 Response Team, and colleagues report on a rapidly convened ACIP meeting to review reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis among mRNA vaccine recipients and discuss the benefits and risks of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
The researchers note that within the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, there were 1,226 reports of myocarditis after mRNA vaccination received during Dec. 29, 2020, to June 11, 2021. The median age among persons with reported myocarditis after mRNA vaccination was 26 years, and the median symptom onset interval was three days after vaccination. Seventy-six percent of patients with the number of vaccine doses received reported had myocarditis after dose 2. After reviewing the available evidence, including data on risks for myocarditis, on June 23, 2021, ACIP determined that in all populations, including adolescents and young adults, the benefits of using mRNA COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks. To ensure prompt recognition and management of myocarditis, patients and provider education materials about the possibility of myocarditis and symptoms of concern have been developed.
“Based on ACIP’s conclusion regarding the benefit-risk assessment on June 23, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended for all persons aged ≥12 years under the FDA’s emergency use authorization,” the authors write. “ACIP emphasized the importance of informing vaccination providers and the public about the benefits and the risks, including the risk for myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for males aged 12 to 29 years.”
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