"Risk of Side Effects" Temporary Suspension of Moderna Vaccinations in Sweden and Denmark

"Low Risk but Clear Association with Side Effects After Second Dose"

Concerns have been raised that side effects such as myocarditis may occur, leading Sweden and Denmark to temporarily suspend Moderna's COVID-19 vaccinations on the 6th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Sweden and Denmark have temporarily suspended the administration of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was made by health authorities due to concerns about rare side effects such as myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is inflammation of the thin membrane surrounding the heart.

According to foreign media including AFP, on the 6th (local time), Swedish health authorities decided to temporarily halt the administration of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine 'Spikevax' to individuals born after 1991 (aged 30 and under) until December 1. Danish health authorities also announced on the same day that for the same reason, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer and German BioNTech will be administered to those aged 12 to 17.

The Swedish health authorities explained, "Data has emerged showing an increased incidence of the very rare side effects myocarditis and pericarditis among adolescents and young people who received the Moderna vaccine. Although the risk is very low, the association is particularly clear after the second dose." They recommended that individuals born after 1991 receive the Pfizer vaccine instead.

The Danish National Health Board also stated in a press release, "Preliminary data from four Nordic countries, which has not yet been published, suggests a suspicion of increased risk of heart inflammation following Moderna vaccination." They added, "Heart inflammation, which sometimes occurs, is a very rare side effect that generally follows a mild course and resolves on its own. However, following the precautionary principle, we have decided to stop administering the Moderna vaccine to everyone under 18." The Danish health authorities also noted that they had been prioritizing the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 to 17 until now.

According to data collected by the four Nordic countries?Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland?symptoms of myocarditis increased after Moderna vaccination. Danish health authorities said, "We have sent the Nordic preliminary data to the European Medicines Agency (EMA)" and added, "An evaluation will be conducted within a month."

Earlier, the EMA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those aged 12 and older on May 12, and two months later in July, allowed the administration of Moderna's Spikevax vaccine to the 12 to 17 age group. In July, the EMA mentioned, "Myocarditis and pericarditis may occur very rarely after vaccination with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines," and "They may occur more frequently in males after the second dose."

Moderna stated on the day, "We acknowledge that Denmark and Sweden have suspended the use of the vaccine due to concerns about myocarditis and pericarditis in young people," adding, "These cases are generally mild and vary by individual, but most recover within a short time after standard treatment and rest. However, prevention is the best approach."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.