As of July 6, 2021, the Vaccine Adverse Safety Reporting System (VAERS) has received 971 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis among people ages 30 and younger who received COVID-19 vaccine. Most cases have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), particularly in male adolescents and young adults.

Through follow-up, including medical record reviews, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have confirmed 594 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis. CDC and its partners are investigating these reports to assess whether there is a relationship to COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis and pericarditis.

The CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death.

See the Resource Spotlight section of this newsletter for additional information.

Reference: Selected Adverse Effects Reported After COVID-19 Vaccination

Each year, the Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP) recognizes Massachusetts individuals or groups that have made an outstanding contribution to pediatric immunization in Massachusetts. The recipient of this award is an individual or an organization that has demonstrated leadership, initiative, innovation, collaboration and/or advocacy.

The MIAP Conference Organizing Committee is seeking nominations for this year’s award. The deadline to submit an award nomination is Friday, August 27, 2021. Click here to download a nomination form.

The 2021 MIAP Conference Award will be presented virtually at the 26th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference, on October 28, 2021.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Cynthia McReynolds (cmcreynolds@mcaap.org).

As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine well-child visits and immunizations for many children over the past year. CDC’s public sector vaccine ordering data show a 14% drop in 2020-2021 compared to 2019, and measles vaccine ordering is down by more than 20%. CDC outlined the steps that healthcare systems, health care providers, schools, state and local governments, and families can take to encourage catch up vaccination and protect children’s health in this recent letter.

On July 14, a CDC webinar, Current Issues in Immunization, will provide additional guidance for catching up on missed vaccinations. Information for joining the webinar is detailed in the Provider Education and Meetings section of this newsletter.

The CDC webpage, Resources for Encouraging Routine Childhood Vaccinations, has resources for providers to utilize to encourage catch-up on missed vaccinations. The resources include communications content (infographics, newsletter, social media) and website links. See the Resource Spotlight section of this newsletter for links to these resources.