Some pediatricians are increasingly worried about the latest Covid booster shot. The reason: a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart, and early monitoring shows it affects healthy young boys more frequently.
“I think it’s important for all patients and their families to be aware of possible side effects,” says Dr. Jennifer Li, who is a pediatric cardiologist at Duke Health. She has seen young patients develop heart problems from Covid and vaccines.
Still, Li argues getting the latest reminder, “I personally think the benefits far outweigh the risks.”
Li participated in a nationwide study that compiled data on those who contracted myocarditis or pericarditis from the vaccine. “Most people were male, late teens, and usually got it after the second dose,” Li said of the study results.
WRAL Investigates found studies that support this, with one finding a disproportionate number of cases of myocarditis in men, particularly in adolescents. Another went further, saying Moderna vaccines posed the greatest risk to young men.
“I think it’s confusing to the general public,” says Dr. Paul Offit of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He has been a voting member of the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee since 2017.
When asked if he would give the bivalent vaccine to his children, Offit quickly replied, “No.”
Offit points to three groups who SHOULD receive the boosters – the elderly, immunocompromised people and those with high-risk medical conditions.
“Healthy children do not need a booster dose, assuming they have received either three doses of a vaccine to date, or two doses and a natural infection,” Offit told families. which he takes care of.
That rings truer for parents of boys, says Offit. “At this time it is not known why boys – mainly after the second dose, mainly within 7 days of the second dose – are more susceptible to myocarditis, but it is a fact.”
A fact that Offit says parents should consider before enrolling their child for a dual booster.
“I think if a vaccine is clearly a benefit, then it’s a risk worth taking, but if vaccines are not a clear benefit, then the risk, however small, that whether it is transient or self-resolving, is always a risk not worth taking,” he told WRAL Investigates.
Li’s research shows that most people with vaccine-induced myocarditis see symptoms resolve within days. However, full recovery for many can take months. That means no physical activity, which is a scary proposition for parents of youngsters who play sports.
Overall, however, Li thinks the risks of side effects from the vaccine are still better than catching Covid. “The risks are very, very small and the benefits are much larger, so I recommend it,” she said. “If a child were to catch Covid, their risk of getting myocarditis is six times higher from catching Covid than from receiving a second dose of the vaccine. »
Offit isn’t so sure if this is the case for youngsters who have already received their initial doses, plus a booster or natural infection.
Both doctors agree there’s a lot more to learn about the long-term impacts of vaccine-related myocarditis and why some people seem more susceptible to risk. Several studies are currently underway. WRAL Investigates is following them and will keep parents informed as new information is released.
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