The advisory effectively concerns two mRNA vaccines – those unrolled by Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna – that have emergency-use authorisation in Canada.
The National Advisory Council on Immunisation (NACI) recommended on Friday that “informed consent” for those receiving mRNA vaccines should “include a discussion about the very rare risk” of the 2 conditions - myocarditis or pericarditis - following vaccination.
It stated that as a “precaution”, those that experience the 2 adverse reactions after receiving the primary dose should “wait to urge the second dose until more information is available”.
The NACI continued to strongly recommend that mRNA vaccines be offered to those that are eligible to receive it.
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation of rare cases of myocarditis or pericarditis following mRNA vaccination among younger people. The NACI is inspired to ascertain that the clinical presentations appear mild, and resolve quickly. the advantages of the Covid-19 immunisation programme still outweigh the relatively small risk for all people including adolescents,” NACI chief Shelley Deeks said.
Her views were echoed by Canada’s chief public health officer Theresa Tam, who said, “There are alittle number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis reported in Canada after vaccination. Evidence is evolving, and Canadian and international investigations into an association between myocarditis or pericarditis and mRNA vaccines continue. i would like to let Canadians know that the advantages of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines still outweigh their potential risks.”
According to data available from Health Canada till June 18, there have been 65 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis detected within the country. Of these, 50 happened after Pfizer-BioNtech jabs, 10 after Moderna and five after Covishield, which is that the India-made version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
