September 18, 2023 The COVID Long-haul Foundation: Opinion

Shortness of breath is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine that has been found in vaccinated individuals. It can be caused by a few different things, including:

• Myocarditis and pericarditis: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around the heart. These conditions can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, and swelling of the tongue or throat.
• Other rare causes: Other rare causes of shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine include interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis.

Myocarditis and Pericarditis After the COVID-19 Vaccine

Myocarditis and pericarditis are two types of heart inflammation that can occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around the heart. Both conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Racing or pounding heart
• Weakness
• Fatigue

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and they may come and go. If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are more common in adolescent and young adult males after the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is important to note that these conditions are thought to be rare.

A 2022 study found that the rates of myocarditis in adolescent and young adult males after the second vaccine dose of the COVID-19 vaccine were:

• 70.7 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 12 to 15
• 105.9 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 16 to 17
• 52.4 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 18 to 24
• 56.3 cases per 1 million doses of the Moderna vaccine in males ages 18 to 24

This means that the risk of myocarditis after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is low, even in adolescent and young adult males. Myocarditis is a serious side effect of the vaccine and should be considered, especially among those under 25 years of age.

It is important to note that the risk of myocarditis might be higher from COVID-19 infection itself than from the vaccine, but no serious long-term studies have been performed to demonstrate this fact. According to the CDC, the risk of myocarditis in males ages 16 to 24 after COVID-19 infection is 162.2 cases per 100,000 people.

If you have any concerns about myocarditis after the COVID-19 vaccine, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of the vaccine and make the best decision for your health.

If you experience shortness of breath after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to see a doctor right away. In most cases, shortness of breath after the vaccine is mild and goes away on its own. However, in some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Here are some tips for managing shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine:

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
• Sit up straight or stand with your shoulders back to help open up your airways.
• Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to help loosen mucus.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• If you have asthma, use your inhaler as prescribed.

Another adverse side effect that has been seen after vaccination is anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur after any type of COVID-19 vaccine, but it is very rare. The CDC estimates that it occurs at a rate of 5 cases per 1 million vaccine doses.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, rapid, shallow breathing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Rash
• Clammy skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom

If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylaxis is treated in the emergency department with an injection of epinephrine, which quickly opens up the airways and reverses the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Other causes of shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine:

Other causes of shortness of breath that have been associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines:

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD): ILD refers to conditions that lead to scarring of the lungs. Reports of ILD after the COVID-19 vaccine are limited to several case reports.
• Pneumonitis: Pneumonitis is a general term for lung inflammation. A couple of case report have described pneumonitis after the COVID-19 vaccine.

If your shortness of breath is severe or does not improve with these measures, seek medical attention immediately.

The vaccine is claimed to be effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, but recent data points to the fact that most people hospitalized with COVID are among the vaccinated and the arguments that vaccination reduces serious illness and death are nuanced. After the initial wave of infection in 2020, deaths have been shown to be rare except for those who are elderly or have co-morbid medical problems. Most people, especially the young are at very low risk from the virus!

Furthermore, arguments that vaccination has reduced the spread of the virus seem to be called into question since it has been shown that COVID vaccines do not prevent COVID and might cause immune system harms with longer-term serious negative consequences. Reinfection rates among the vaccinated are higher than rates among those who have caught the virus and now have natural immunity as a result.

If you have not yet been vaccinated, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the vaccine.