Risk of myocarditis does not outweigh benefit of COVID-19 vaccine

July 19, 2021

“The actual instances of myocarditis are quite low.”

A Roper St. Francis Healthcare physician explains the chances of developing inflammation of the heart muscle as a result of COVID-19 vaccination are very slim and that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh any risk.

As of June 23, more than 177 million people had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Out of those individuals, only about 1,200 have developed myocarditis or pericarditis. That’s .067% percent of patients.

“The actual instances of myocarditis are quite low, and the instances of death are negligible,” says Dr. John Ciccone, associate chief medical officer of Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital.

The inflammation has mostly occurred in male adolescents 16 years of age and older. Symptoms have typically been seen within a few days after receiving a mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna). The CDC has continued to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone 12 years of age and older. The COVID-19 illness and possible severe complications are far worse than the slim chance of developing myocarditis, according to Ciccone.

“This is still a safe way of vaccinating younger individuals,” Ciccone said.

Symptoms of myocarditis:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart

Seek medical care if you think you or your child have any of these symptoms within a week after COVID-19 vaccinations

Source: CDC