Health experts consider changes in Myocarditis prevention

The Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System said more than 300 kids are suffering from Myocarditis after receiving both shots of the MRNA vaccine, which is higher than what is expected in the normal population.

Dr. Thomas Huth said, “Because it involves the heart muscle, it makes everyone worry and in several cases, there can be severe consequences, but most of the time it’s very mild.”

Huth with Reid Health said, Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. Right now, the reporting system is seeing Myocarditis is more common in kids who received the Pfizer vaccine and more common in boys.

>> COVID-19 vaccines may cause heart issues in teens, young adults

Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and a racing heart. And, those suffering from Myocarditis will see symptoms fairly soon after receiving their second shot.

“Typically it’s 7-10 days,” Dr Huth said.

Dr. Huth said kids who are diagnosed with Myocarditis after receiving the vaccine are kept in the hospital to be monitored, but the cases are fairly mild, and can be easily treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids.

“If I was a parent of a young teenager, it might make me afraid to give my child the vaccine, but the American Association of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association both still recommend considering the vaccine for children because the cases are mild and short-lived,” Dr. Huth said.

The Committee on Immunization Practice is meeting on Wednesday to discuss these Myocarditis cases.

Dr. Huth said the CDC and FDA may consider recommending giving people under 18 only one dose of the MRNA vaccine due to the immune response just one shot provides coupled with kids having a lower chance of having a severe case of COVID-19 or spreading the virus.

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