Biomarkers specific to the post-vaccination period have not be determined unless assessing for immunity or evaluating specific suspected side effects such as myocarditis.
An uneventful course of vaccination may not be marked by specific biomarker changes besides immune markers such as antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, it does not appear customary to conduct blood chemistry studies after vaccination, so trends are not likely to be monitored, although myocarditis has occurred following some vaccinations.
As of mid-2021, the rate of suspected myocarditis/pericarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination was ~12.6 cases per 1 million second doses of mRNA vaccines in those 12-39 years of age (Bozkurt 2021).
Myocarditis and pericarditis have been observed in some individuals following vaccination with mRNA vaccines as well as live/live-attenuated, less prevalent non-COVID vaccines (e.g., those for smallpox anthrax, typhoid, hepatitis B, etc.). Age, gender, and type and dose of vaccine appear to affect the frequency of this complication. Myocarditis and pericarditis were observed predominantly in those aged 18-29, followed by those 30-39, and finally children 7-16 years of age, with a higher prevalence in males than females. Researchers suggest that extending the period of time between vaccinations may reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions. They note that data obtained from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects reports of adverse reactions but does not assess them for causation (Hajjo 2021).
Adverse reactions can be followed up with routine bloodwork (CMP, CBC with differential), serum troponin, EKG, echocardiogram, and testing for the presence of SARS-CoV2. In the case of myocarditis, serum troponin may increase 10-fold over the standard upper limit. Inflammatory markers such as CRP may be elevated but are not specific for myocarditis. Symptoms of myocarditis include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, myalgia, and syncope, with onset commonly occurring within 5 days of vaccination. Other potential cardiac causes should be investigated and ruled out (Luk 2021).
From a functional standpoint, it would be interesting and likely very useful to know each individual’s omega-3 Index (O3I). The O3I reflects the (anti-inflammatory) omega-3/EPA/DHA status of cardiac tissue and is considered a risk factor for sudden cardiac death if less than 4%, with an optimal range above 8% (Gurzell 2014, Harris 2008, Parletta 2016, von Shacky 2014).
Supporting health post-vaccination, just as pre-vaccination or pre-COVID-19, includes adopting a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and outdoor activity (get some sun!), adequate sleep, stress management, and a healthy whole-foods diet containing an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, quality protein including cold-water fish, and healthy fats. Targeted nutrition support and supplementation should be provided as needed. See more in our ODX article on Immune Supportive Foods as well.
Additional Material
COVID-19 Biomarkers - The ODX Whitepaper
References
Bozkurt, Biykem et al. “Myocarditis With COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines.” Circulation vol. 144,6 (2021): 471-484. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.056135
Gurzell, Eric A et al. “Is the omega-3 index a valid marker of intestinal membrane phospholipid EPA+DHA content?.” Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids vol. 91,3 (2014): 87-96. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2014.04.001
Hajjo, Rima et al. “Shedding the Light on Post-Vaccine Myocarditis and Pericarditis in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients.” Vaccines vol. 9,10 1186. 15 Oct. 2021, doi:10.3390/vaccines9101186
Harris, William S. “The omega-3 index as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 87,6 (2008): 1997S-2002S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/87.6.1997S
Luk, Adriana et al. “Myocarditis and Pericarditis After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination: Practical Considerations for Care Providers.” The Canadian journal of cardiology vol. 37,10 (2021): 1629-1634. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2021.08.001
Parletta, Natalie et al. “People with schizophrenia and depression have a low omega-3 index.” Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids vol. 110 (2016): 42-7. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2016.05.007
von Schacky, Clemens. “Omega-3 index and cardiovascular health.” Nutrients vol. 6,2 799-814. 21 Feb. 2014, doi:10.3390/nu6020799