04/08/2025
A recent study of nearly 46 million adults in England found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research revealed a 10% decrease in arterial thromboses, including heart attacks and strokes, after the first vaccine dose. This reduction grew stronger after second doses and booster shots, with a 20% risk reduction for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients and a 27% risk reduction for AstraZeneca recipients.
The study's findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may protect against cardiovascular events by preventing the infection itself, which is known to trigger vascular inflammation and clotting abnormalities. In contrast, COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. While rare side effects like myocarditis and clotting disorders were confirmed, they were exceedingly uncommon and primarily occurred within the first few weeks post-vaccine.
The overall health benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Study co-author Dr. Samantha Ip notes that the research offers "further support for the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccination programme," highlighting the significant protection against severe COVID-19 and its complications. The study's findings are consistent with other research, including a Swedish study that found similar reductions in cardiovascular events after COVID-19 vaccination. By getting vaccinated, individuals can not only protect themselves against severe COVID-19 but also reduce their risk of cardiovascular events.
Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49634-x
