A large population study in England found that COVID-19 infection carries a greater and more prolonged risk of rare heart complications in children and young people than vaccination. Researchers analysed health records from nearly 14 million children and confirmed that infection-related inflammation of the heart is more pronounced and longer lasting than the rare myocarditis cases observed after vaccination. The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, adds strong evidence that infection poses the greater cardiovascular risk in this age group.The analysis showed that risks of myocarditis and pericarditis remained elevated for up to 12 months after infection, while any increase following vaccination was typically short-term and resolved quickly. Experts say these findings reinforce the benefits of vaccination in protecting children from both immediate illness and longer-term complications and provide important evidence to guide public health policy and clinical decision-making.
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