Heart conditions and vaccination
Public Health Sudbury & Districts says it is carefully following investigations into reports of cases of heart conditions in some jurisdictions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and particularly in adolescents and young adults.
“Although all jurisdictions, including Ontario, continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccine, it is important for people to be informed,” says Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
She says the investigations to date have not led Ontario to change any of its vaccine guidance adding in May, international reports of (myocarditis) inflammation of the heart muscle and (pericarditis) inflammation of the lining around the heart following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines emerged, including from Israel and the United States.
She adds there have been a small number of reports of the conditions in Canada, but the country is not currently seeing higher rates than would be expected for these conditions.
To June 12, Public Health Ontario reported a total of 19 cases in Ontario.
Dr. Sutcliffe adds to date no jurisdiction has changed their vaccine guidance as a result of the reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada are closely monitoring the situation. Available information to date indicates the following:
- Cases were more commonly reported after the second dose
- Symptoms typically appeared within several days following vaccination
- Cases were mainly among adolescents and young adults
- Cases were among males more often than females
- Cases experienced mild illness and symptoms improved quickly (they responded well to rest and general medical—such as anti-inflammatory medications)
Locally, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is also monitoring the situation and latest evidence. Health Care Providers across the catchment area have also been advised through an Advisory Alert issued on June 18, 2021.
Informed consent is required for all vaccinations. Individuals eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine who have questions, are encouraged to speak with their health care provider prior to receiving an mRNA vaccine.
Gathering leads to possible high-risk exposure
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk of exposure to COVID-19 specifically for anyone who attended a social gathering.
According to the agency, anyone who was at “Morgan Beach” located on Morgan Road situated between Chelmsford and Dowling last Wednesday between 2:30 pm and 8 pm should get tested right away.
The Health Unit says even if you receive a negative test result, you must remain home and self-isolate up to and including June 30, including members of the household.
A look at the local numbers …
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting three new cases of COVID-19, all in Greater Sudbury and all confirmed as close contact with a person who tested positive.
Considering resolved cases, there are 28 active cases within the agency’s jurisdiction.
Health Sciences North states it has ten admitted patients, two who have tested positive and eight waiting for test results.
Of the two, one individual is in intensive care.
Algoma Public Health has had no new cases.
Considering resolved cases, there are three active cases in the district.
There is one district resident receiving treatment in hospital.
Boosters or not
No decision has been made about whether Ontarians might need a booster shot next winter to stay protected against COVID-19.
The province’s chief medical officer of health, Doctor David Williams, says provincial and federal medical experts are assessing the protection levels of the current two-dose vaccines among older, more vulnerable Canadians…..most importantly, how long that protection will last.
Williams says any decision about whether a booster shot may be needed will come if there are signs that the inoculations’ protection declines over time.
Outbreak in Toronto hospital
Toronto Western Hospital is urging staff to continue following health protocols, even if they’re vaccinated.
So far, five patients and three staff have been infected and hospital officials say some of those who’ve contracted the virus had either one or both inoculations.
So far, though, they say the cases have been mild.
