COVID Myocarditis

COVID and COVID Vaccine Related Myocarditis

COVID-19 related myocarditis has been recognized as a potential complication both following COVID-19 infection and, in rare instances, after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). The incidence of myocarditis associated with COVID-19 infection is significantly higher compared to vaccine-associated myocarditis. According to reports from 2022, myocarditis occurred at approximately 450 cases per million COVID-19 infections among males aged 12–17, compared to roughly 77 cases per million after receiving a second mRNA vaccine dose, with young males identified as the most affected group.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination greatly outweigh the rare risk of vaccine-associated myocarditis and continues to recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older. Healthcare providers are advised to stay updated through the CDC’s official website for the latest guidance, remain vigilant for symptoms of myocarditis—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations—in individuals who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, and to report such cases promptly to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

For the most current recommendations and data, please regularly consult the CDC website.

References:

• CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Myocarditis: cdc.gov
• CDC Clinical Considerations: Myocarditis and Pericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccination: cdc.gov
• Post_Covid_European J of Heart Fail – 2022 – Heidecker – Myocarditis following COVID‐19 vaccine incidence presentation diagnosis (1)

Please keep in mind that as research is continued on COVID-19 and Myocarditis, as well as COVID related Myocarditis, that statements made initially may no longer be relevant. 

Much has been learned since COVID-19 appeared.  It is a fluid situation with researchers learning more as they look deeper into it.

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For any additional questions that you may have related to myocarditis, please email: [email protected]