As a new COVID-19 variant known for causing a symptom referred to as “razor blade throat” spreads, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now requiring vaccines to carry warning labels on certain potential side effects.
On June 25, the FDA released a report announcing updated requirements in mRNA COVID-19 vaccine warning labels for Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. Prescribing information will now include warnings on the connection between the vaccines and inflammation of the heart muscle and lining.
Here’s what we know about these connections, the connection that exists between heart conditions and the COVID virus itself, information on the newest COVID variants and more.
Does the COVID vaccine impact the heart? Long term side effects from the COVID vaccine?
The June 25 FDA announcement stated that prescribing information on Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. vaccines will be updated to include:
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“Based on analyses of commercial health insurance claims data from inpatient and outpatient settings, the estimated unadjusted incidence of myocarditis and/or pericarditis during the period 1 through 7 days following administration of the 2023-2024 Formula of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was approximately 8 cases per million doses in individuals 6 months through 64 years of age and approximately 27 cases per million doses in males 12 through 24 years of age.”
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“Follow-up information on cardiovascular outcomes in hospitalized patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is available from a longitudinal retrospective observational study. Most of these patients had received a two-dose primary series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine prior to their diagnosis. In this study, at a median follow-up of approximately 5 months post-vaccination, persistence of abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings that are a marker for myocardial injury was common. The clinical and prognostic significance of these CMR findings is not known.”
UnityPoint Health explains further that there is a “very minor risk” of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults after receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Confirmed cases have occurred, mostly in male adolescents and young adults, more often after the second dose, rather than the first and usually within a week of vaccination.
Is there a connection between COVID and heart attack?
Yes, the COVID virus itself is linked to heart problems. “Overall, heart inflammation is an extremely rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine,” the UnityPoint website stated. “In fact, heart inflammation is much more common if you get the COVID-19 virus.”
The Cleveland Clinic’s information on COVID states that “a severe or even mild case of COVID-19 can make you more likely to have heart failure or a heart attack.” Though it is very rare for the COVID virus to infect the heart, it can cause problems throughout the body that lead to heart damage.
COVID can put individuals at risk even after the virus has left the body, and is more likely to cause complications in those who have heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.
COVID symptoms 2025; what to know about ‘razor blade throat’ COVID
The Centers for Disease Control stated that a newer variant of the COVID-19 virus dubbed NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus” grew to account for 37% of U.S. COVID cases as of June 7, making it the second most prominent strain in the nation.
The variant can be accompanied by a severe sore throat, described as “razor-blade throat fatigue,” according to the World Health Network. However, further common symptoms of the Nimbus variant are largely similar to other COVID strains, including:
According to Nebraska Medicine, the other most common strains of COVID are LP.8.1, with 38% of cases, and XFG, with 8% of cases.
Where to get tested for COVID-19 in North Carolina
Home-tests are available online and at many pharmacies throughout North Carolina. Residents can also contact a doctor or primary healthcare provider, pharmacy, tribal or community health center to see if they offer testing.
Additionally, the NC Department of Health and Human Services partners with local Community Access Points to distribute free home-tests at a number of locations throughout the state. Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/home-covid-19-tests for more.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in North Carolina
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. You can find the administrator closest to you online at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines.
The page also has a list of assistance options for uninsured residents at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines#paying-for-vaccines.
Berkley Shannon, USA TODAY Network, contributed to this report.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Do COVID vaccines impact the heart? ‘Razor blade throat’ symptoms