SINGAPORE has reported four cases of heart inflammation in young men aged 18 to 30 after their second dose of an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine.

Pfizer and Moderna jabs are mRNA-type vaccines.

The expert committee on Covid-19 vaccination in a statement issue late yesterday said most cases of  “myocarditis and pericarditis” were reported to have occurred within a few days of receiving the second dose of the vaccine. 

“However, all have recovered or have been discharged well from hospital,” it said.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are inflammatory conditions affecting the heart muscles and the outer lining of the heart respectively.

However, the committee said that while further studies and investigations were on-going, the currently available data suggests that there might be a “very small risk” of myocarditis and pericarditis after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine, particularly in young men. 

“They occur more often in men compared to women. Patients with the condition show symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or abnormal heartbeats.

“Most cases are mild, recover without the need for significant intervention and do not suffer any long-term effects, although very rarely, severe cases may result in damage to the heart muscles,” it explained.

As a precaution, the committee recommended that vaccinated persons, in particular adolescents and younger men, should avoid strenuous physical activity for a week after their second dose.

The committee noted that it has been closely monitoring international reports on the situation and reviewed the currently available international and local data.

“Our assessment is that the benefits of receiving the mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, such as reduction in Covid-19 infections and severe complications even if infected, continue to outweigh the risks of vaccination,” it said.

It added that increased occurrences of myocarditis and pericarditis after the second dose of mRNA Covid-19 vaccinations have been observed overseas including in the US, in adolescents and young men below the age of 25.

“The risk of this has been estimated to be 1.6 cases per 100,000 doses for mRNA vaccines in the US, which is comparable to the risk of anaphylaxis observed in Singapore.

“To date, there is no observed incremental risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after the first dose of vaccine,” it said. – Bernama, June 12, 2021.