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As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, Scientists are trying to launch different vaccines to fight against this disease. Many side-effects have been reported from mild to severe. Different people have been experiencing a varied range of side effects following vaccination.

Recently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also reported more than 1,000 cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) in the US since April who received mRNA vaccine against COVID-19. The rare side effects were first reported by Health authorities in Israel.

The CDC reported these cases as vaccine side effects, who had received vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna and mostly seen in young adults and adolescents over the age of 16, and among them, two-third are men population. Though the cases are very rare i.e. about 12.6 cases per million.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently indicating a rare risk of heart inflammation with these vaccines after the second shot. 

The side effects generally occurred within a few days of the second vaccination. 

Inflammation was seen more commonly in people with Covid-19 Infection

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle and pericarditis is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart. Health officials said the benefits of receiving the vaccine still outweigh any risk.

Recently the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a statement on ACIP's findings, stated that myocarditis and pericarditis are much more common in a person with COVID-19 than from vaccination.

Which symptoms one should take seriously?

Post-vaccination, those who feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel that their heart or pulse is beating particularly fast, fluttering or pounding, should visit a doctor, as these symptoms are a warning sign and can be fatal, especially during the first week after vaccination. Moreover, the cases with a heart infection reported from the US usually healed after few days of the vaccinations.

It has been also stated that people are many times more likely to suffer a serious heart infection after a COVID-19 infection than after vaccination. 

It is therefore recommended by CDC, to get the Covid-19 vaccination followed by a second shot to get full vaccine protection. Parents are therefore free to have their children vaccinated after consulting their doctor.

In case of any pre-existing conditions in parents of children or young adults, should speak to a doctor before vaccination.