Public Health Sudbury & Districts says it is “carefully following investigations” in other jurisdictions into reports of swelling around the heart in those who received an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19.
Reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) have been reported particularly in adolescents and young adults.
The reports are rare. In Ontario, Public Health Ontario has reported only 19 incidents of either condition out of more than 12 million doses of vaccine given.
“Although all jurisdictions, including Ontario, continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 12 years of age and older given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications, it is important for people to be informed,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “The investigations to date have not led Ontario to change any of its vaccine guidance. As part of our vaccination program, however, all immunizers are required to share information on known or potential vaccine side effects to ensure that consent to vaccination is informed. Immunizers constantly update this information as new data is available.”
The potential link between mRNA vaccines and incidents of inflammation in or around the heart began appearing in May. Public Health Sudbury said there have been a small number of reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in Canada, but not at “higher rates than would be expected for these conditions.”
As of June 12, Public Health Ontario reported a total of 19 cases in Ontario.
“Currently, there is no clear association between myocarditis and pericarditis and the mRNA vaccines,” the health unit reported. “Any adverse event occurring after a vaccination may be unrelated to the vaccine itself, however, all events are reported to public health to ensure ongoing review of any potential safety signals. To date, no jurisdiction has changed its vaccine guidance as a result of the reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada continue to monitor the situation. A review of the data has shown:
- Cases were more commonly reported after the second dose
- Symptoms typically appeared within several days following vaccination
- Cases were mainly among adolescents and young adults
- Cases were among males more often than females
- Cases experienced mild illness and symptoms improved quickly (they responded well to rest and general medical — such as anti-inflammatory medications)
If you have experienced an adverse event following vaccination, it should be reported to Public Health Sudbury & Districts by calling 705-522-9200, ext. 458 (or toll-free 1-866-522-9200) during business hours or after-hours at 705-688-4366. You are also asked to complete the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Report form available from Public Health Ontario. The completed form should be faxed to Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-677-9618 (confidential fax line) or emailed to [email protected].
