With the ongoing and prevalent use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in the community, all primary care clinicians must be familiar with investigating a potential case of myocarditis or pericarditis. This is particularly important if there are concerns about a possible case following mRNA vaccines.
Please access the following resources for further information.
Investigation, management and treatment of myocarditis and pericarditis
HealthPathways Melbourne
Visit the Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines page.
This resource provides clear guidance on symptom recognition in the 2 weeks following an mRNA vaccine, and the recommended investigation and management pathway.
mRNA Chest Pain Guideline – PREDICT
Visit predict.org.au to download the guideline.
This resource is a clear algorithm for clinicians to use in an emergency setting provided by the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative. It also provides guidance for GPs on follow up for a person who has presented to an emergency department with chest pain following an mRNA vaccine.
Guidelines on myocarditis and pericarditis
ATAGI guidance
Guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is available on the Australian Department of Health website. This resource is updated regularly.
Victorian COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines
Information can also be found in the Victorian COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines, under the heading ‘Myocarditis and pericarditis’. Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au to download these guidelines.
Other resources
A recording of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network’s recent education session is available to watch on YouTube. It features subject matter experts discussing myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA vaccines.
Patient friendly information on myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA vaccines is available on the Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre website.
Reporting
It is important for vaccine safety surveillance that adverse events following immunisation are reported to SAEFVIC. Visit safevac.org.au for a link to the online reporting form.
Specialist Immunisation Service referral
If your patient meets criteria for a referral to the Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services (VicSIS), you can refer them for a comprehensive discussion with a specialist using the e-referral form.
