Benefits of coronavirus vaccine clearly outweigh the risks, CDC researchers say
From CNN's Jacqueline Howard
For every million second-dose vaccinations, there may be tens of myocarditis cases, but thousands of Covid-19 cases prevented, researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the agency's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.
In other words, the benefits of mRNA Covid-19 vaccination outweigh the risks.
Among adolescent boys ages 12 to 17, for whom the risk is higher than for girls, CDC researchers estimate that for every 1 million second-dose vaccinations, 5,700 Covid-19 cases, 215 hospitalizations, 71 intensive care unit admissions and two deaths would be prevented, the data show. It's estimated there might be 56 to 69 myocarditis cases.
Such myocarditis cases have generally been mild and quick to resolve.
Among adolescent girls ages 12 to 17, CDC researchers estimate that for every 1 million doses to complete a two-dose series of vaccine, 8,500 Covid-19 cases, 183 hospitalizations, 38 intensive care unit admissions and one death would be prevented, according to data presented to ACIP. The researchers estimate there might be eight to 10 cases of myocarditis.
"In persons aged 18 to 24 years, the benefit-risk balance is more favorable," CDC researcher Dr. Megan Wallace told ACIP on Wednesday.
Among women ages 18 to 24, CDC researchers estimate that for every 1 million doses to complete a two-dose series of vaccine, 14,000 Covid-19 cases, 1,127 hospitalizations, 93 intensive care unit admissions and 13 deaths would be prevented, according to the data presented. The researchers estimate there might be four to five cases of myocarditis.
Among men ages 18 to 24, for whom the risk is higher than for women, CDC researchers estimate that for every 1 million second-dose vaccinations, 12,000 Covid-19 cases, 530 hospitalizations, 127 intensive care unit admissions and three deaths would be prevented, the data show. It's estimated there might be 45 to 56 myocarditis cases.