Pfizer linked to 18 new cases of heart inflammation in Australia
A side effect of the Pfizer vaccine has now been linked to 253 Australians – including a 12-year-old.
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The number of cases of heart inflammation in Australia linked to the Pfizer vaccine has risen to 253 from about 21.9 million doses.
There were 18 new likely cases of myocarditis in the past week, a condition that sees patients experience chest pain, abnormal heartbeat and shortness of breath.
One new blood clots case linked to the AstraZeneca jab was also recorded, taking the total to 158 cases and nine deaths in Australia from about 13.1 million doses. The confirmed case involved a 40-year-old man from NSW.
The figure was released in the Therapeutic Goods Administration Covid-19 vaccine weekly safety report on Thursday afternoon.
The youngest case classified as ‘likely myocarditis’ to date was 12 years old.
Of the cases classified as likely to be myocarditis, most of the patients experienced symptoms within three days of vaccination.
Around half of the patients were admitted to hospital with eight treated in intensive care. Most patients treated in hospital were discharged within four days.
The TGA says “the estimated reporting rates in Australia appear similar to overseas rates.”
“As we have received limited adverse event reports for Spikevax (Moderna), our analysis of likely myocarditis cases focuses on data for the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine,” the medicines regulator said.
In Australia, myocarditis is reported in nearly one out of every 100,000 people after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. While it is more commonly reported in young men and teenage boys after the second dose (6.7 cases in 100,000 people) it remains rare.
Cases usually occur within 10 days and resolve after a few days following treatment and rest.
The TGA advises people to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could suggest myocarditis or pericarditis.
This includes: chest pain, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), fainting or shortness of breath, particularly if they occur within one to five days of vaccination.
“ATAGI advises that people who develop myocarditis or pericarditis attributed to their first dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) should defer further doses of an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine and discuss this with their treating doctor,” the TGA says.
Originally published as Pfizer linked to 18 new cases of heart inflammation in Australia
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