The claim that COVID-19 vaccine recipients are 500% more likely to die from a heart attack is not supported by credible scientific evidence. Misinformation regarding vaccine safety has circulated widely, but reputable studies and health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have consistently found that the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 far outweigh potential risks.
While there have been rare reports of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger males, these cases are extremely rare compared to the risks associated with COVID-19 itself, which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. It is essential to rely on verified information from trusted health sources when assessing the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Claims like the one mentioned should be approached with skepticism unless backed by rigorous scientific research.
Numerous studies indicate that the vaccine is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. One investigation involving nearly 46 million adults in England revealed that individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine experienced fewer heart attacks and strokes compared to those who had not yet been vaccinated. Researchers analyzed medical records from the two-year period spanning December 2020 to January 2022. "This nationwide study in England provides reassurance regarding the cardiovascular safety of COVID-19 vaccines, as the lower occurrence of common cardiovascular events outweighs the increased incidence of their known rare cardiovascular complications," the study states. Erin Faherty, a pediatric cardiologist at Yale Medicine, previously informed USA TODAY that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is associated with a diminished risk of heart attacks. "We have no evidence to indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine causes heart shutdown or is linked to widespread heart failure," she remarked in February. "Based on the data we possess, the risks associated with COVID-19 infection significantly surpass the minor cardiac risks associated with vaccination." Some research has connected the virus—rather than the vaccine—to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Individuals who contracted the virus early in the pandemic faced double the risk, while those with severe cases had nearly quadruple the risk, according to a study backed by the National Institutes of Health published in October. However, a study involving over 8 million adults in Sweden found that “full vaccination significantly lowered the risk of several severe cardiovascular outcomes related to COVID-19, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure,” stated Fredrik Nyberg, an epidemiology professor and one of the study's authors, in a press release. There is a “causal link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis,” which refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, though such cases are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for their comments but did not receive an immediate reply. Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app, or e-newspaper here. USA TODAY is a verified member of the International Fact-Checking Network, which necessitates a demonstrated commitment to impartiality, fairness, and transparency. Our fact-checking efforts are partially supported by a grant from Meta.