Canadian study on COVID-19 heart health, vaccines gets funding boost
Global News
A study by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society has received additional funding to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on the heart.
A first of its kind national study on the impact of COVID-19 and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on the heart is getting a boost in funding following reports of rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis during the pandemic.
The study, called the Canadian Cardiovascular Society National Active Surveillance Study of Myocarditis and/or Pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination (MYCOVACC), will receive an additional $2 million from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) over two years.
In all, the study will have a total investment of $3.6 million over three years.
According to a news release, the funding will allow the study to expand and extend patient follow-up and perform cardiac imaging on those affected.
“(The study) is working to determine if people who experience these rare heart conditions are at increased risk of future health problems,” said cardiologist Dr. Nathaniel Hawkins, who leads the study.
MYCOVACC began in October 2022 in response to reports of rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart muscle) following mRNA vaccines and COVID-19 infection.
“While most people make a full recovery after myocarditis and pericarditis, long-term outcomes warrant further investigation,” the news release reads. It adds that the team behind the study will provide valuable insights for clinicians, public health agencies and decision-makers to inform future vaccine programs.
According to the release, the new funding allows for:
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