New Zealand's Medsafe has issued a reminder that pericarditis and myocarditis is a new but rare side effect of vaccination with the COVID-19 Comirnaty vaccine [tozinameran; Pfizer-BioNTech].
Until 1 December 2021, the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) has received 233 spontaneous reports of myocarditis, pericarditis or myopericarditis after vaccination with Comirnaty, with most cases occurring in the first few days after vaccination, in male recipients (58%), and in the age range of 20 to 39 years, although there have been some reports in patients aged 12 to 16 years. Medsafe notes that these reports do not necessarily represent a causal link to the vaccine and pericarditis and myocarditis occur at a higher rate following COVID-19 infection than after vaccination with Comirnaty. Consequently, the "benefits of vaccination with Comirnaty continue to outweigh the risk of experiencing a side effect for people of all ages".
Medsafe reminds consumers and caregivers to seek medical attention if, within the first few days after vaccination, they experience new-onset chest pain or a change in existing chest pain, heaviness or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, an abnormal heartbeat or a feeling of skipped heartbeats, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded or fainting. Vaccinators and healthcare professionals must advise patients of the symptoms of pericarditis/myocarditis.
Reference
- New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. Alert communication - Reminder: Comirnaty vaccination (Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine) can cause myocarditis and pericarditis Internet Document : 20 Dec 2021. Available from: URL: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/Alerts/comirnaty-myocarditis-reminder.htm