Canadian Cardiovascular Society awarded $1.6 million to study myocarditis and/or pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

OTTAWA, ON, October 27, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, which brought together more than 1,200 cardiovascular specialists and allied health professionals, Dr. Howard Njoo, canada The Deputy Chief Public Health Officer and Interim Vice President of the Division of Infectious Diseases announced funding for a pan-Canadian study of the clinical and functional outcomes of adults and children who developed myocarditis and/or pericarditis after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) is preserved $1.6 million by the government of Canada to conduct the study. As a national organization representing more than 2,300 cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other heart health specialists across the country, and with a broad network, the CCS is well positioned to lead this initiative.

“Myocarditis and pericarditis rarely occur after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination,” says Dr. Nathaniel HawkinsCenter for Cardiovascular Innovation at the University of British Columbia and the scientific management of the project. “Most people recover quickly and well, but the long-term health effects of these heart conditions are unknown.”

The information gathered through this study can significantly impact confidence in vaccines, particularly among young adults, children and their parents. The study will provide important information to support informed immunization decisions and guide public health authorities in developing vaccine programs for booster doses and new variants.

The CCS will involve its members and heart centers across the board Canada as well as collaborating with researchers, established research networks, patients and public health authorities from across the country throughout the project. adults and children from everywhere Canada who suffered from post-mRNA myocarditis and/or pericarditis are asked to participate in the study.

“The government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. One way to do this is to expand our already robust post-market vaccine safety surveillance systems, including surveillance-related research, to better understand the long-term outcomes of vaccinations, including relatively rare events such as myocarditis and pericarditis. This is an important way to empower Canadians with additional information so they can make informed decisions to protect themselves and have confidence in them.”

DR Howard Njoo
Deputy Chief Public Health Officer and Interim Vice President, Infectious Diseases
program branch

“The Canadian Cardiovascular Society is pleased to lead this important study on the health outcomes of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. As the national voice for cardiovascular clinicians and scientists, the CCS is uniquely positioned to conduct this study. By leveraging the expertise of our members and partner organizations, we will fill a critical knowledge gap and make a valuable contribution to public confidence in vaccine safety.”

DR Marc Ruel,
President of the CCS

About the Canadian Cardiovascular Society

The CCS is the national voice for cardiovascular clinicians and scientists, representing more than 2,300 cardiologists, heart surgeons and other heart health specialists Canada. We advance heart health for all by setting standards for excellence in heart health and care, building the knowledge and expertise of the heart team, influencing policy, and advocating for heart health for all Canadians. For more information on the CCS, visit: https://www.ccs.ca/en/.

What are myocarditis and pericarditis?

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart muscle. Symptoms of these conditions can include chest pain and a fast or irregular heartbeat. There are many different causes of myocarditis and pericarditis, including COVID-19 infection.

Additional information:

In 2021, the Canadian Journal of Cardiology published Myocarditis and Pericarditis After COVID -19 mRNA Vaccination: Practical Considerations for Providers

SOURCE Canadian Cardiovascular Society

For more information: Holly Roy, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, 780-991-2323; Danielle Côté, Director of Communications, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, T: 613-799-9057, email: [email protected];Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public inquiries regarding COVID-19: 1-833-784-4397