UPDATE, JULY 5: While initially urging delay until NACI issued advice following rare cases of heart inflammation, Dr. Karim Kurji is now encouraging young residents aged 12 to 17 to get their shots: 'Benefits outweigh potential risks': York's top doc urges 2nd COVID-19 doses for youth.
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Even if eligible under the accelerated rollout of second doses of COVID-19 vaccination, York Region is recommending youth aged 12 to 17 hold off due to an increased risk of heart complications in the age group.
There has been evidence in the U.S. about increased rates of heart inflammation caused by myocarditis and pericarditis among the youth — it's rare, about 1.8 per 100,000 vaccines, medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji said June 24 .
The conditions can cause chest pain, discomfort, shortness of breath and palpitations, potentially leading to hospitalization. The issue has been mostly in males under age 30 and most commonly four days after a second dose, he said.
York Region is recommending a minimum 56-day period between doses for youth to allow Canadian health authorities to study the issue further.
The U.S. is still advising vaccinations for youth, Kurji said, given the age group has the highest COVID-19 incidence rate there.
"The assessment of risks of COVID-19, versus the benefits of vaccination, clearly show that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks," he added.
Kurji said it is expected the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the province will comment on the issue sometime in the next few days or weeks. As of yet, he said health organizations have not detected the same issue in Canada.
The NACI has said most of the inflammation cases are relatively mild and resolved with medical treatment. There is also no data yet about the condition with a mixed vaccine schedule.
"The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and NACI continue to closely monitor this situation and will take appropriate action if needed," the organization said June 17.
Youth in York Region and other hotspot areas will be able to book a second dose starting Saturday, June 26 at 8 a.m.
