mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are well tolerated and myopericarditis is a rare adverse event following immunisation

mRNA vaccines are considered to be important tools for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are well tolerated in most recipients, post-marketing data have highlighted an association between myocarditis and mRNA vaccines. Post-vaccine myocarditis (PVM) is most commonly reported in male adolescents receiving the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. However, the incidence of PVM is low and the risk of myocarditis should be kept in perspective. Cases of PVM are mostly mild in severity, and may be managed using existing myocarditis guidelines. The pathology of PVM is under investigation, and current data suggest that cross reactivity or hypersensitivity reactions may be involved. Globally, mRNA vaccines are generally recommended for use in children/adolescents, and delaying the administration of the second dose may reduce the risk of PVM.