COVID-19 Vaccination News: Myocarditis and Pericarditis after Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Adolescents and Young Adults

The CDC and its partners are currently investigating cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Since April 2021, reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have increased in the United States after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). Reported cases following COVID-19 vaccination have occurred predominantly in male adolescents and young adults 16 years of age and older. In most cases, patients who presented for medical care have responded well to medications and rest and had prompt improvement of symptoms. Onset was typically within several days after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Cases have occurred more often after the second dose than the first dose.

The CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for individuals 12 years of age and older given the greater risk of other serious complications related to COVID-19, such as hospitalization, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or death.

For more information for clinicians, see the CDC’s clinical considerations. For information for patients, see the CDC’s website.