Pericarditis and myocarditis following vaccines. How many cases in Poland? [WE CHECK]

Last week, the European Medicines Agency reported that myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare side effects following the administration of two coronavirus vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna. Such NOPs have already been found in Poland.

1. In April, the EMA announced that vector vaccines (AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) can cause thrombosis. New side effects were also discovered with mRNA vaccines
2. Myocarditis or pericarditis has so far accounted for just over 300 cases out of nearly 200 million vaccines administered worldwide
3. We analyzed the reports on NOPs reported in Poland. Cases of both conditions were recorded after both Pfizer and Moderna
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Very rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Two new conditions

In Europe, the COVID-19 vaccination program has been underway for several months. Some people experience undesirable post-vaccination reactions after taking the preparation. Most of them are mild in nature, but sometimes they are serious or severe.

In April, the European Medicines Agency looked at cases of thrombosis after receiving the AstraZeneki and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Ultimately, EMA determined that it could be a very rare side effect associated with the administration of one of the two vector preparations.

1. See also: Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines [COMPARISON]

In early July, the EMA announced that mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) could very rarely be followed by myocarditis or pericarditis. Previously, the agency analyzed 145 cases of myocarditis and 138 pericarditis in people vaccinated with Pfizer, and 19 and 19, respectively, in those who received Moderny.

The final conclusion of the EMA is that the cases of myocarditis and pericarditis mainly occurred within 14 days of vaccination. People taking the second dose of the preparation were more vulnerable to the disease, as well as “younger adult men”. Five of all reported cases resulted in the death of the vaccinated person.

EMA found no link between AstraZeneki and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and pericarditis or myocarditis.

How many cases of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccines in Poland?

Across Europe, just over 300 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis have been reported in people vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna. This is very little, taking into account that at that stage in the Old Continent, almost 200 million doses of the vaccine have already been administered.

To find out if cases of these side effects have also been reported in Poland, it is sufficient to analyze the reports of adverse vaccine reactions. These are available on the gov.pl website, as well as pzh.gov.pl.

1. Editors recommend: Vaccination map in Europe. The fourth wave will depend on it

In the report of the National Institute of Public Health, severe NOPs are divided into tables. We can see there which preparation was associated with the occurrence of a given disease.

As for myocarditis, by 5 July it occurred in two men after the Pfizer vaccination (one was 32 and the other was 21) and two men vaccinated with Moderna (29 and 24 years old). In one of the men, myocarditis was also accompanied by pericarditis. Three patients developed symptoms after taking the second dose. In the case of the fourth, it is not known whether it was the first or the second puncture.

We can find slightly different data in the NOP report available on the gov.pl website. Here in the entire table of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis there is a total of 10. It is not known which vaccine or dose developed the disease. There is also a lack of information on the age of the patients. We know, however, that the NOPs concerned mainly men (nine in relation to one woman). They developed myocarditis more frequently than pericarditis. There have been cases where the diseases were combined.

Myocarditis and pericarditis. What is it and what are the symptoms?

Myocarditis is usually a viral disease, although it may also be bacterial or parasitic. The disease can even lead to heart failure. The easiest way to detect them is through research.

Symptoms that may indicate inflammation of the heart muscle include:

1. fatigue
2. shortness of breath
3. palpitations
4. fever
5. pain in the chest
6. getting tired quickly.

Pericarditis can also occur as a result of a viral infection, as well as in renal failure or hypothyroidism. The consequence of pericarditis may be, inter alia, cardiac tamponade. The most common symptoms of pericarditis are:

1. chest pain or tightness
2. dyspnoea
3. dry cough
4. fast heartbeat
5. chills
6. general weakness
7. low-grade fever.

Also read:

1. How long does it really take to recover from COVID-19? There is an answer
2. Third, fourth, fifth wave of the pandemic. Why the discrepancy in the numbering?
3. Grzesiowski: Before, the infection required contact with a sick person. Delta infects otherwise
4. Vaccinations against COVID-19 in Europe. How is Poland doing? LATEST RANKING

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.