In a new study, researchers in Norway reported that children who received a COVID-19 vaccine faced an increased risk of several adverse events, including swollen lymph nodes. The study focused on adolescents aged 12 and up and found that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were associated with increased risks of severe allergic shock, lymphadenopathy, and heart inflammation. The adverse effects were detected in children up to the age of 19.
The study analyzed nearly 500,000 children born from 2002 to 2009 who received a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 or 2022 and excluded those who were at high risk of COVID-19. Researchers used a model known as Poisson regression to estimate whether there was an increased risk of adverse outcomes among the vaccinated. They discovered that vaccinated children were more likely to suffer severe allergic shock and lymphadenopathy, with increased risks coming within specific time windows after vaccination.
Additionally, the study results revealed an increased risk of heart inflammation, acute appendicitis, epilepsy, convulsions, and facial nerve palsy in vaccinated children. The authors emphasized the importance of being aware of potential post-vaccination adverse events and the need for further research to explore potential adverse events among children.
The study, published ahead of peer review, had limitations, including a possible healthy vaccinee effect, and it was noted that the observed outcomes and statistically significant associations were generally low in the study. Conflicts of interest were disclosed, and the authors highlighted that further monitoring of the exceptions should be conducted. The paper was published with no listed funding, and Pfizer and Moderna did not return requests for comment.
In a new study,in a small sample size, among 120 children, 23 of which received the COVID-19 vaccine. Spanish researchers found no evidence of signs of heart inflammation, and in an Australian study, vaccinated patients who suffered myocarditis still had symptoms after six months.