Study Finds Covid Vaccination Reduces Risk of Heart Events

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that Covid vaccination may have cardioprotective effects. The study followed over 1 million veterans who received flu vaccinations at Veterans Affairs health care facilities in 2024, with about one-third also receiving a Covid vaccine. Researchers found that those vaccinated against Covid had a 38% lower risk of major cardiovascular events associated with Covid, particularly among individuals aged 75 and older and those with chronic conditions. Additionally, the study noted a 24% reduction in all-cause cardiac events, which could prevent approximately 3,500 major cardiac events and 2,400 deaths annually per 1 million people. Ziyad Al-Aly, the study's lead researcher, suggested that unrecognized Covid infections may contribute to cardiovascular issues. Robert Califf, a former FDA commissioner, commented on the findings, highlighting the potential for vaccines to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Despite these findings, Covid vaccination rates among older adults remain lower than flu vaccine uptake. Other studies published alongside this research also indicated the effectiveness of Covid vaccines in reducing emergency room visits and critical illness. A separate study in Europe found similar effectiveness for Covid vaccines among older adults.