COVID-19 Vaccines

How They Can Also Protect the Heart

COVID-19 can put added stress on your heart – even if your symptoms are mild. People with heart disease are also more likely to become very sick with COVID.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your heart and your health.

The COVID-19 vaccine can help lower your chance of:

• Severe illness, needing to go to the hospital or dying
• Complications like heart attack, stroke or an abnormal heart rhythm
• Long COVID symptoms

  The vaccine may also protect your heart and blood vessels from the damage COVID can cause.

The American College of Cardiology and other medical societies recommend routine COVID vaccination for people with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease. If you haven’t had the most recent COVID vaccine, ask your doctor when it will be available and where to get it.

Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Yes. Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and studies show they are safe and effective. Serious side effects are very rare.

Can I get COVID from the vaccine?

No, these vaccines don’t contain the virus and you cannot get COVID from the vaccine. 

How does this year’s COVID vaccine differ from earlier versions?

Like the flu shot, the COVID vaccine is updated each year to provide better protection against the specific strains or variants of the virus that are currently spreading. 

Do I still need a vaccine if I’ve had COVID-19 before?

Yes. Even if you’ve had COVID-19, the vaccine helps your immune system stay ready to fight the virus and lower your risk of serious illness. If you’ve had COVID-19 recently, ask your doctor about the ideal time to get a vaccine if you need an updated one.

How many doses do I need?

• Most adults only need one updated COVID-19 shot this season.
• If you’re 65 or older or have a weakened immune system, your doctor may recommend a second dose later in the year.

Can the vaccine cause heart problems?

The risk of heart problems from the virus itself is much higher than from the vaccine. In fact, getting vaccinated helps protect your heart.

Myocarditis is a very rare side effect of COVID-19 vaccination (there were 1 to 19 cases per 1 million persons after the first two doses), mostly in adolescent males/young adults. Cases are typically mild and resolve quickly.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two. The most common are:

• Redness, swelling or pain at where you got the vaccine
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches

What do we know about mRNA vaccines?

Two COVID-19 vaccines are called mRNA vaccines. While they may sound new, researchers have actually been studying mRNA technology for decades.

Unlike some other vaccines, mRNA vaccines don’t use any part of the live virus. Instead, they give your body a set of instructions that allow your immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

Your body then builds protection – without ever being exposed to the actual virus.

There is also a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available.

I heard these vaccines can change my DNA?

No, they cannot. The mRNA does not change your DNA, and it doesn’t stay in your body. The mNRA breaks down quickly and naturally in the body.

Where can I get the vaccine?

You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at:

• Most pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens)
• Local health clinics or public health departments
• Some doctor’s offices
• Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you