On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was aware of eight cases of heart inflammation, called myocarditis, in children who have been vaccinated. The report specifically included children under age 11 who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with Pfizer-BioNTech.
The cases, which were reported in the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), presented "a mild clinical course," as reported by Reuters.
The CDC then presented the cases to a panel of its expert advisers for consideration.
In November, the CDC also discovered cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine, prompting an update to its ongoing inquiry into the adverse reaction to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
According to VAERS, symptoms for both heart conditions include chest pain, shortness of breath and feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart.
The cases reported to the CDC via the VAERS portal have occurred in young adults and especially male adolescents. Most cases occurred within a week after receiving either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines.
According to the CDC, most patients affected by the inflammation "felt better quickly" after receiving medication and rest. However, the CDC did not indicate if there was a resolution to the cardiac inflammation caused by the vaccine reaction.
It is advised that myocarditis patients speak with a cardiologist before resuming exercise or sports.
Even with these newly reported inflammatory side effects, the CDC continues to recommend all parents have their children 5-years and older vaccinated against COVID-19. Their recommendation states that the long-term risks of the virus overshadow the side effects of the shot.
"The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death, far outweigh the potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis," according to the CDC.
The CDC does advise speaking to your health care provider or a pediatrician if any concerns arise with the COVID-19 vaccinations.
This CDC report on inflammation among children comes just a day after CDC recommended Pfizer and Moderna vaccines over Johnson & Johnson's due to the risk of blood clotting following the vaccine.
