Veteran's myocarditis case prompts senators to investigate vaccine injury claims

A story is circulating on social media from a 24-year-old Navy veteran who states he was discharged from the military due to vaccine-derived myocarditis. His post prompted six U.S. senators to send a letter to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The letter demands that the department investigate disability claims for COVID-19 vaccine injuries. A social media post alleges that this letter may prompt a change in national policies regarding veterans’ compensation for vaccine injuries.

Risk level: High

Recommendation: Vaccine-induced myocarditis is commonly cited by vaccine opponents to suggest that vaccines are unsafe. Stories like these may promote vaccine hesitancy, as the public is often confused about when myocarditis may occur and why. Doctors may face questions about the risk of myocarditis from vaccines. Talking points may emphasize that cases of post-vaccine myocarditis are extremely rare and usually mild. A COVID-19 infection is more likely to cause myocarditis than a COVID-19 vaccine, and those cases are typically more severe. This is even true among young men, who are most likely to experience myocarditis from vaccines.