Covid vaccine induced Pericarditis-Myocarditis

Since the release of mRNA vaccines medical practitioners around the world have been receiving calls from patients complaining of chest discomfort typical of pericarditis some of these patients have also had associated ECG changes and cardiac enzyme elevation consistent with myocarditis. This phenomenon does not appear to be related to the non mRNA vaccines available.

Newfound freedom from lockdown in both Victoria and New South Wales will undoubtedly lead to greater COVID-19 exposure. Whilst widespread vaccination uptake has been achieved a significant number of adults and our children remain unvaccinated and vulnerable to the Delta strain. What can we expect from the health perspective for those exposed?

Mental health has become a major casualty of the Covid pandemic that has swept across the globe and been responsible for rolling lockdowns throughout Australia restricting personal freedoms, social contact and the ability to prosper financially. No one is exempt from this unprecedented event and the anxiety, depression and anguish wrought is having a major effect on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

In this episode, we share an intimate conversation with Dr Shashi Manikappa who has spent the past 18 months in India’s heartland volunteering medical care to those affected by the Covid pandemic. Whilst over 400 million Indians have received at least one dose of vaccine to date, on the ground in India treatment protocols embracing the use of Ivermectin in combination with other drugs have gained significant popularity and anecdotal support as an effective treatment. Shashi discusses the value of these protocols as used in India and the medical experience and perspective gathered during his time there. It is acknowledged that the protocols discussed in this episode have not been endorsed for use in Australia.

As the Covid pandemic continues to spread around the world with over 187 million recorded infections and 4 million deaths, countries including Australia have embarked upon vaccination programs including the use of mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna), viral vector (Astra Zeneca), and subunit protein vaccines (Novovax).