There are some serious side effects from the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to myocarditis, the vaccine can cause pericarditis. If you or someone you know has received the vaccine, here are some things you need to know. You may want to consult your doctor if you’re concerned.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Causes Myocarditis and Pericarditis
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been linked to rare cases of myocarditis and pericardiotis. This rare side effect has been reported in young men and women who received the vaccine. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The CDC first reported the side effects in June 2021 and continues to monitor the data to determine when and why they occur.
Most people who received the vaccine reported only mild to moderate post-vaccination symptoms, including redness, swelling, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. These effects typically subside within one to three days of vaccination. However, one in ten individuals experienced symptoms that interfered with their daily activities.
The CDC recommends that young men and adults wait at least 8 weeks between doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is based on large observational studies that found that people who received the vaccine at an eight-week interval had a decreased risk of myocarditis. The eight-week interval between doses is most effective for people between the ages of six months and 64 years.
While the vaccine does carry a small risk of myocarditis, it is far less serious than the risk associated with COVID-19 infection or other omicron subvariants. Nonetheless, patients should wait four weeks after an orthopoxvirus vaccine before undergoing the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Medications may also be prescribed for pain and fever. While these medications may reduce the risk of myocarditis, they are not recommended for routine administration before the vaccination. Furthermore, no information is available on the impact of certain medications on the response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC reports that there are no major safety issues with COVID-19 in pregnant women, but a 2-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series may prevent hospitalizations for infants who contract COVID-19. However, the CDC has issued a Health Alert Network Advisory recommending increased vaccination before and during pregnancy. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has published guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
The FDA revised the EUA Fact Sheet for the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in December 2021. The FDA added a warning that people with a history of thrombosis with thrombopenia (TTS) should not receive this vaccine. In such cases, a more age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine should be used.
It Causes Pericarditis
A recent study shows that the COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and distributed by Novavax and Moderna, can cause pericarditis and myocarditis in some individuals. Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations. The side effects are rare and usually, show up within a week of vaccination.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends that a label warning about the possibility of heart inflammation be included in the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the manufacturer has previously said that there were no serious concerns during the vaccine’s clinical trials. Nonetheless, the company’s chief safety officer, Denny Kim, says that there is currently no alternative product available.
People who are at risk of experiencing pericarditis or myocarditis should delay the vaccine. However, if the episode is resolved, they may receive a subsequent dose. In the meantime, they should monitor their health closely and seek medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms.
In addition to the risk of myocarditis, the vaccine is associated with a rare but severe allergic reaction. These allergic reactions usually occur minutes to an hour after receiving the vaccine. However, the likelihood of developing myocarditis is very low and is lower than the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. For more information on the risk associated with this vaccine, consult the FDA fact sheet.
In addition to pericarditis, the vaccine may cause other side effects. Some people may also experience dizziness, faintness, or an enlarged heart. These symptoms will typically occur during the first few weeks after receiving the vaccine. In addition to myocarditis, pericarditis is associated with symptoms of infection that affect the respiratory system and the heart. If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, contact your doctor.