US officials investigating possible Moderna vaccine link to heart inflammation risk, report says
The FDA and CDC are reportedly reviewing whether the vaccine may be associated with a higher risk of myocarditis in young adults.
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Federal health officials are investigating any possible link between the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and a slightly higher risk of myocarditis in younger adults, according to a report Thursday from the Washington Post.
The US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reportedly analyzing Canadian data that could suggest the Moderna vaccine carries more risk of heart inflammation for males under the age of 30 than previously thought.
The report said two people familiar with the review "emphasized the side effect still probably remains uncommon." Myocarditis, or heart inflammation, is a known (though rare) side effect of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines -- and experts say most cases are mild.
An FDA spokeperson told CNET that the agency "won't comment on internal meetings or discussions" but said that it's committed to reviewing available data.
"We have previously communicated about myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines and if new information changes the risk/benefit profile, we will update the public accordingly," the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, both Pfizer and Moderna are reported to be expanding vaccine studies in children ages 5 to 11. At present, only people 12 or older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Representatives for the CDC didn't immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Updated 11:19 p.m. ET: Adds comments from the FDA.