evidence: In addition, public health experts are monitoring vaccine safety and side effect data for cases of rare heart-related complications, myocarditis or pericarditis, after receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. (Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is inflammation of the heart’s outer lining.) Research shows the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the low risk of myocarditis after receiving the vaccine. Cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis have been more common in adolescent boys and young men. A 2021 study shows that most people under age 21 who developed myocarditis thought to be linked to COVID-19 vaccination had mild symptoms that improved quickly. [...] Yes. The CDC recommends an updated (2023-24) COVID-19 vaccine for women who are pregnant or are anticipating a pregnancy. Pregnant or recently pregnant women face an elevated risk of death or severe illness from COVID-19, including illness requiring hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator or other special equipment to breathe, according to the CDC. Also, risk of pregnancy complications with COVID-19 is higher.