Authorities: "Causality Not Confirmed Between mRNA Vaccination and Myocarditis or Pericarditis"

On the afternoon of the 1st, when COVID-19 vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds (born 2006 to 2009) began, a teenager received a vaccine at a pediatric clinic in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Health authorities emphasized that although a 'statistical association' has been confirmed between messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna and the representative adverse reactions myocarditis and pericarditis, causality has not yet been established.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, Jo Eun-hee, head of the Safety Vaccination Management Division of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, stated at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's regular briefing, "Myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA vaccination are likely the greatest concerns, but causality has not been confirmed." She added, "Globally, statistical associations between mRNA vaccination and myocarditis/pericarditis are being closely monitored and analyzed, but association and causality are different terms. While association is a necessary condition for causality, it is not sufficient."

Regarding this, she noted, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported about 1,640 cases of myocarditis, and among 877 cases where causality was confirmed, there were 3 deaths. However, it was confirmed that the cause of myocarditis was not the vaccine but other infectious diseases that could trigger it," reiterating that there have been no deaths caused by myocarditis or pericarditis resulting from vaccination.

On the topic of 'how to respond if a child complains of chest pain after vaccination,' Jo responded, "It is difficult for the general public to determine whether the pain is due to myocarditis or pericarditis." She recommended, "Myocarditis and pericarditis can be diagnosed through troponin (an enzyme involved in heart muscle contraction) tests and MRI scans. If an MRI is available, testing can be done anywhere. It is advisable to visit a hospital with MRI facilities or a secondary hospital or higher capable of performing echocardiography."

Meanwhile, as of this date, only 528,557 (28.4%) out of 1.86 million eligible 12-15-year-olds have made vaccination reservations. Vaccinations for this group, which began the previous day, saw 5,115 people vaccinated on the first day, totaling 21,574 vaccinated so far. Among all 2,768,836 adolescents aged 12-17 for whom vaccination has been approved, 492,017 (17.8%) have completed their first dose.

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