The CDC is reporting several cases of hyper-inflammatory syndrome in teens following their COVID-19 vaccine. However, experts are stressing that this is not a reason for worry. Here’s why.
Hyper-inflammatory syndrome in teens after vaccination
Federal regulators are investigating the effect of COVID-19 shots in children under the age of 5 as a new report is stating the presence of MIS-C, a hyper-inflammatory syndrome in teenagers. According to the report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several cases of potentially dangerous but rare diseases were in vaccinated teenagers. According to the study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 21 reports of MSIC-C came following the first dose of the vaccine. Among the infected, six did not have previous infection records.
Experts are not worried
However, experts are not calling this a concerning issue. While the reports seem concerning, experts believe that a deeper understanding of the data stresses that vaccination is vital. Moreover, all teens in the study did not have full immunization. The study reveals that unvaccinated are more likely to develop hyper-inflammatory syndrome than those with immunization. “At first glance, it seems to cause us to step back and say, ‘Wait a minute, are these vaccines contributing to MIS-C?’ It does the opposite for me. It emphasizes the point of vaccination,” stated Dr. Jim Versalovic. Dr. Versalovic is the pathologist-in-chief of Texas Children’s Hospital. Additionally, he is also the covid-19 command and co-leader at the hospital.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for kids?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines are completely safe for children. The research also revealed that the chances of developing MIS-C, a hyper-inflammatory syndrome are rare. According to studies, only one in a million has the vaccination. Additionally, it is much rarer for a vaccinated person to develop such an infection. “Even if there is a questionable risk (with COVID-19 jabs), it’s a lower risk than not getting the vaccine. And contracting the disease,” said Dr. Guliz Erdem. Dr. Erdem is a pediatrics professor and, an expert on infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As of now, 57 percent of the population between the ages of 12 and 17 has full immunity.
As per the CDC, people are fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose. “That tells me that these children catch the infection before their vaccination. And they just didn’t have sufficient time to develop immunity with the vaccine before developing MIS-C,” stressed Versalovic. “It is clear that children who are only partially vaccinated are still susceptible to MIS-C. We’ve got to get those children who are eligible now vaccinated as soon as possible,” he added.