Sweden & Denmark Pause Moderna’s COVID Shots for Teens – Here’s Why
On October 6, the Swedish and Danish health authorities hit the pause button on Moderna’s Covid‑19 vaccine for anyone born in 1991 or later. The decision comes after a flurry of reports hinting that the shots might stir up a handful of heart infections – myocarditis and pericarditis – in younger folks.
Why the Pause?
- Data suggests a tiny bump in the odds of heart inflammation for kids and young adults after the second Moderna dose.
- Both countries are leaning on the “precautionary principle” – better safe than sorry.
- The risk remains extremely low, but it’s enough for regulators to scream “pause” for peace of mind.
Moderna’s Response
In a quick e‑mail, Moderna’s spokesperson said the company knows about the pause and acknowledges the rare risk. They added that:
“These cases are usually mild, people recover quickly, and a little rest helps.”
Not to forget, they remind us that Covid‑19 itself is a far bigger threat to the heart than the shot.
What the Numbers Say
- A U.S. study (unreviewed) shows that boys under 20 are up to six times more likely to develop myocarditis from the virus than from the vaccine.
- Canadian data points out that Moderna’s vaccine, with its 100 µg dose, might carry a higher myocarditis risk than Pfizer’s 30 µg jab.
- In Norway, the official stance is to recommend the Pfizer shot for under‑30 men who get vaccinated.
Regulatory Quick‑Fire
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) says the benefits of mRNA shots – both Moderna and Pfizer – still trump the risks. However, the safety committee noted rare heart inflammations can pop up, mainly after the second dose in younger men.
What’s Next?
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland are all gearing up to push Pfizer’s Comirnaty as the go‑to vaccine for minors, while Moderna’s Spikevax is kept off the table for those <18 in the U.S. The final say? The EMA is set to weigh in within the next month.
Bottom line: while a slight wrinkle in the heart’s rhythm is on the horizon, the grand health picture still favors getting vaccinated. It’s a classic case of steering the ship toward safer seas, even if it means a temporary “pause” on a popular route.
