Question:
Can mRNA vaccines cause inflammation of the heart?
Answer:
Rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis and pericarditis) have been reported after getting the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. These were most often seen:
- After a second dose of the vaccine when the time between doses was less than 8 weeks.
- In males 12-29 years of age.
- With a higher dose of the Moderna vaccine.
Typically, this condition after mRNA vaccines has been mild, with sometimes a brief hospital stay. People have recovered with or without treatment. Studies are ongoing to assess whether there are any residual effects. For further information, visit the U.S. Centres of Disease Control.
The benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh the risks and public health recommends that young people continue to get vaccinated against COVID-19. There are clear and significant benefits from mRNA vaccines in reducing severe disease, hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 infections.
Date last reviewed:
Monday, Oct 23, 2023