Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are associated with a small but increased risk of myocarditis
Florida is one of the states hardest hit by COVID-19 in the U.S., but the administration is advising against mRNA vaccines for its most vulnerable residents: the elderly.
According to updated guidance for health care providers released this week, the Florida Department of Health and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo have questioned the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including those to be administered to people 65 and older and those with other health conditions.
“Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with COVID-19 for patients age 65 or older or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and treatments,” according to the state guidance.
However, the guidance is at odds with advice from federal health agencies and experts who have repeatedly spoken out about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, saying they provide high rates of immunity against prior infections.
Vaccines increase risk of heart problems, Florida says
Florida’s guidelines list several safety concerns for mRNA vaccines, some of which include an increase in a rare heart condition called myocarditis, also known as inflammation of the heart muscle that affects the organ’s electrical system and muscle cells, leading to a heart attack.
It also says there is a significant risk of POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a condition that causes an abnormally high increase in heart rate when standing or sitting, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening heart condition.
Studies say COVID-19 patients are at risk for myocarditis.
Several studies have shown that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are associated with a small but elevated risk of myocarditis, even though most cases occur in young people who have been able to recover quickly. According to research, the risk of myocarditis is much higher in the case of COVID-19 infection and is often more severe than the condition associated with the vaccine.
People diagnosed with COVID-19 are five times more likely to develop POTS after infection than after vaccination, emphasizing the importance of the vaccine.
Experts criticize Florida guidelines
Florida’s recommendation is unnecessary and would only scare people away from vaccines, experts say. “The mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe,” Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told CBS News. “It’s a very dangerous game that you’re playing,” said Offit, who has served on the FDA’s independent vaccine advisory committee. “There’s just about a 1,000-fold increased chance of dying.” [from Covid] “If you are over 65, more than if you are under 18.”
Last month, the FDA approved new doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines aimed at curbing the KP2 variant, which has been mutating and spreading steadily across much of the country. The vaccines are said to provide protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death, experts say.
Across the United States, COVID-19 cases remain elevated following a summer surge. At least 23 states, including Florida, are reporting “very high” levels of the virus, according to federal data, according to the CDC. Additionally, emergency room visits and hospitalizations are high, with most people reporting their symptoms.
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