The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to discuss data on cases of inflamed heart muscle and surrounding tissue—myocarditis and pericarditis—following COVID-19 vaccination in younger people. Health leaders from Health and Human Services (HHS), the CDC, the American Hospital Association and 14 other health-related organizations this week emphasized the safety of vaccines and their efficacy in preventing COVID-19 illness. The leaders stated the side effect is extremely rare and is typically mild while pointing out myocarditis and pericarditis occur much more frequently and with greater risks to the heart when an individual becomes ill with COVID-19. (HHS news release, 6/23/21)
