Vaccinations are created to protect us. That includes the Covid-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, there is a rare side effect in the younger age group that might make some parents wonder if getting their teens vaccinated for Covid-19 is really the best idea.

There have been more than 323 confirmed cases of heart inflammation, called myocarditis or pericarditis, among vaccinated young people. In most cases, the side effect happens about a week after the second dose of the Pfizer shot. More often than not, the people who experience the side effect are young males. Usually, the condition was temporary. With monitoring and treatment, most cases resolved quickly.

To date, approximately 26 million does have the Covid-19 vaccine have been given to young people. Experts say the vaccine is still safe and effective for young people; however, the FDA is preparing a warning to accompany the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines so that young people will be aware of the possible side effect.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), spoke to Good Morning America about this side effect and why she believes that it’s still the best idea to get vaccinated. Watch the video below to hear her explanation.

Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is approved for emergency authorization use for children ages 12+. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for anyone age 18+. On June 10th, Moderna submitted data to the FDA to apply for emergency authorization use of their vaccine for younger teens. Pfizer is currently conducting trials of the vaccine on children as young as babies.

Although Covid-19 hasn’t impacted children as harshly as it has adults, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 22.4% of new Covid cases are among children. Throughout the pandemic, 3.7 million children have been diagnosed with Covid-19.

Even though children often have mild symptoms when they get Covid-19, they could pass it on to someone else who may have severe symptoms. ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton explained, “It’s important to think in ripple effects.”

Do you think parents will be hesitant to get their children vaccinated due to the rare heart inflammation side effect caused by the Covid-19 vaccine? Are your children vaccinated?

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