Myocarditis Cases Identified in US Military Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

The JAMA Cardiology published a case series of 23 male patients, including 22 previously healthy military members, on June 29, 2021. Myocarditis, a heart condition, was identified within 4 days of receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

For most patients (n = 20), the diagnosis was made after the second dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

These cardiology episodes occurred against the backdrop of 2.8 million doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines administered. COVID-19 vaccines are available under pre-licensure statuses, such as an Emergency Use Authorization, and are not U.S. FDA Approved, and are voluntary for Service members, though highly encouraged.

'We are at 68% of active duty who are vaccinated with at least one dose, and we continue our efforts to encourage our service members, families, and beneficiaries to become vaccinated,' stated Acting Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Health Affairs Dr. Terry Adirim on June 30, 2021.

Throughout the eighteen-month pandemic, the U.S. DOD has confirmed (26) active-duty fatalities related to COVID-19.