Patients with heart failure are at higher risk of getting very sick, with potential fatal outcomes, if they contract Coronavirus. With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, patients with heart failure should be confident that the vaccines will help to address the ongoing pandemic and help protect patients from the coronavirus.

Thousands of people have received a COVID-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very rare. Those with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine are advised not to take the vaccine.

“Heart failure healthcare professionals have been on the front lines battling COVID-19 and its consequences,” said Nancy Albert, PhD RN, President of the Heart Failure Society of America. “We have learned a lot about clinical care and infection control. Being vaccinated is an important step in prevention. We are now well positioned to let patients with heart failure know that both COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.”

The first COVID-19 authorized by the FDA was produced by Pfizer/BioNTech, followed by Moderna/NIH. The Pfizer vaccine is for "individuals age 16 or older" and for Moderna "individuals age 18 or older."

For ongoing updates about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site on COVID-19. For vaccine specific information, please go here.