What you need to know
- Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Cases of vaccine-induced myocarditis are extremely rare and typically mild.
- A COVID-19 infection is much more likely to cause myocarditis than a COVID-19 vaccine, and those cases are typically more severe.
- Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is a safe and effective way to protect yourself. Visit Vaccines.gov to find an appointment near you.
Since the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved in 2020, reports of heart inflammation after vaccination have raised concerns about vaccine safety. Research shows that vaccine-induced myocarditis is extremely rare—cases are usually mild and resolve on their own.
More importantly, a COVID-19 infection is much more likely to cause myocarditis than a COVID-19 vaccine, and those cases tend to be more severe. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is a safe and effective way to prevent heart inflammation.
Read on to find out more about myocarditis: What it is, what causes it, and how we can prevent it.
What causes myocarditis?
Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, is typically caused by a viral infection. Bacteria, parasites, fungi, chemicals, and certain medications can also cause it.
Some people develop it after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but these cases are extremely rare and usually mild. A viral infection like COVID-19 is much more likely to cause myocarditis than a vaccine. Staying up to date on vaccinations reduces your risk of developing myocarditis from COVID-19.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and monitored over the past three years and have been determined to be safe. The benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks, because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations reduces your risk of myocarditis, hospitalization, death, and long COVID.
The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
How can I protect myself from myocarditis?
Myocarditis is typically caused by a viral infection, so protecting yourself from viruses is the best way to prevent it.
We’re currently in respiratory virus season, and staying up to date on this season’s vaccinations reduces your risk of severe illness and viral complications. The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine and this season’s flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. The CDC also recommends the RSV vaccine for people who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and people 60 and older. Visit Vaccines.gov to schedule your updated COVID-19 vaccine, seasonal flu shot, and RSV vaccine (if you’re eligible) as soon as possible.
Wash your hands frequently and wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask in crowded spaces. The CDC recommends masking indoors on planes, trains, buses, and boats and at transportation hubs. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection. Learn more about the types of masks and how to use them from the CDC.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.