Sweden Halts Use of COVID-19 Vaccine for Younger Age Groups Due to Side Effects

Swedish health officials on Wednesday paused usage of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for younger people after reports of possible side effects including myocarditis, a form of heart inflammation.

The agency further added there is "An increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or heart sac," noting that the risk is "Very small."

The agency said it now recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine instead for people born in 1991 or later, noting that the decision is valid until Dec. 1.

New data from Swedish and other Nordic sources "Indicate that the connection is especially clear" between Moderna's vaccine and side effects "Especially after the second dose."

The Swedish health agency said earlier in the week that people aged 12 to 15 can only get the Pfizer vaccine.

In July, the European Medicines Agency, the European Union's chief drug regulator, recommended authorizing Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 17.

In nearby Denmark, those under the age of 18 cannot be given the Moderna vaccine out of a precaution, said health regulators in the country on Wednesday.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/sweden-halts-use-of-covid-19-vaccine-for-younger-age-groups-due-to-side-effects_4034802.html