Clinician Advisory
Myocarditis and Pericarditis Association in COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients
May 28, 2021
Actions requested
- For suspected cases of myocarditis or pericarditis occurring following COVID-19 vaccination:
- get complete COVID-19 vaccination history (dates, product/manufacturer) if available;
- in addition to a standard evaluation (e.g., ECG, troponin, CRP), collect and submit appropriate samples for viral testing (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory viral panel);
- submit a VAERS report online (https://vaers.hhs.gov/esub/EsubController)
- Please fax a copy of the VAERS form to the Health District (425-339-8706) and include patient demographics and other key clinical records (e.g., progress note and labs). To speak with a live person, please call our provider reporting line at 425-339-3503.
Background
Since April 2021, cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported in the United States after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is aware of these reports, which are rare given the number of vaccine doses administered.
CDC ACIP’s vaccine safety monitoring workgroup (VaST) reviewed data on this a week ago, concluding that “there are relatively few reports of myocarditis to date and that these cases seem to occur:
- predominantly in adolescents and young adults,
- more often in males than females,
- more often following dose 2 than dose 1, and
- typically, within 4 days after vaccination.
Most cases are reported to have been mild and quickly responsive to standard management.
Within CDC safety monitoring systems, rates of myocarditis reports in the window following COVID-19 vaccination have not differed from expected baseline rates. However, VaST members felt that information about reports of myocarditis should be communicated to providers.
There is no intention to pause or modify vaccine recommendations based on the current information available. CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older, given the greater risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications.
The CDC has published Clinical Considerations for myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, resources for the public have been added to CDC’s website that can be a resource for your patients. The Washington State Department of Health and CDC are actively monitoring these reports, reviewing data and medical records, and working to determine the strength of the association and extent of the phenomenon.