A massive new study shows updated COVID-19 vaccines slash the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that updated COVID-19 vaccines offer powerful protection for the heart, reducing the risk of severe cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure by almost 40%.
Analyzing data from more than 1 million U.S. veterans, researchers discovered that vaccination not only mitigates virus-specific heart damage but also leads to a 6% drop in overall severe cardiovascular disease and a 7% reduction in all-cause hospitalizations and deaths.
For every 10,000 people vaccinated, the shot was linked to preventing roughly 23 major cardiovascular events, 30 hospitalizations, and 16 deaths over just an eight-month period.
The cardiovascular benefits were most pronounced in adults over age 75 and individuals living with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, or pre-existing heart issues. Doctors emphasize that COVID-19 is far more than a respiratory illness; the virus causes systemic inflammation, blood vessel damage, and clotting, all of which strain the heart. Crucially, vaccinated individuals also saw fewer health complications that were not directly linked to a diagnosed COVID-19 case, suggesting the vaccine may ward off damage from mild or undetected infections. These findings underscore that keeping up with vaccinations is a vital tool for long-term cardiovascular health.
source: Cai, M., Xie, Y., & Al-Aly, Z. (2026). 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among US Veterans. JAMA Internal Medicine.
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