How do we know myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare, and usually easily treated?
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Myocarditis is where these two conditions occur together.
Myocarditis or pericarditis occurs very rarely in young people including adolescents and children 12 years and older who have had the COVID-19 Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Data from the USA (with data reported through to 11 June 2021) shows that the rate of myocarditis or pericarditis in female adolescents aged 12–17 years was 9.1 per million doses (0.0009%), and in male adolescents of the same age, 66.7 per million doses (0.006%) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine given.
The symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis can appear within a few days of vaccination and are usually mild. Most children and adults with myocarditis or pericarditis related to COVID-19 vaccination recover quickly after a short period of monitoring, with no treatment or simple pain relief.
Symptoms can include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a fluttering sensation, shortness of breath, or pain with breathing. If a child or adult experiences any of these symptoms, they should seek prompt medical attention.
It’s important to note that there could be other causes for these symptoms. In young adults, 3-8 cases of myocarditis and pericarditis that are NOT related to COVID-19 vaccination occur each week in Australia.
The rate of myocarditis and pericarditis is higher in people with COVID-19 than after a COVID-19 vaccine.