Sweden extends pause of Moderna Covid vaccine for younger age groups

STOCKHOLM: Sweden has extended the pause of

Moderna Covid-19 vaccine

for people aged 30 and younger due to rare heart-related side-effects, the public health agency said on Thursday.

The health agency said earlier in October that data pointed to an increase of myocarditis and pericarditis among youths and young adults vaccinated with

Moderna vaccine

Spikevax, and paused the use for all born 1991 or later.

The agency said on Thursday the pause would be extended beyond the original deadline of December 1 and those who had taken a first dose of the Moderna vaccine would be offered the Comirnaty vaccine from Pfizer/Biontech instead.

The

European Medicines Agency

approved the use of Comirnaty in May, while Spikevax was given the nod for children over 12 in July.