Sweden and Denmark partially suspend the Moderna vaccine
Sweden has discontinued the use of the Modern Covid-19 vaccine for under 30s after reports of rare side effects, while Denmark has said that it will no longer offer the jab to under-18s.
Sweden’s national health care agency said that data pointed to an increase in myocarditis and pericarditis among young people and young adults who have been stung.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart that can reduce the muscle’s ability to pump blood around the body. The condition can cause rapid or abnormal heart rhythms.
Pericarditis refers to an inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue surrounding the heart to hold it in place and help it function. Symptoms include chest pain similar to that experienced by a person during a heart attack.
“The connection is particularly clear when it comes to Moderna’s vaccine Spikevax, especially after the second dose,” says the Swedish Health Office in a statement, adding that the risk of being affected was very small.
The agency said it now recommends the Pfizer vaccine for Swedes born in 1991 or later. About 81,000 people in the age category who have received a shot of Moderna would be offered another coronavirus vaccine for their second dose.
Earlier this week, the Swedish health authority said that people aged 12-15 would only receive the Pfizer / Biontech vaccine.
Updated: October 6, 2021, 1:16 p.m.