The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a new statement in support of the approved COVID-19 vaccines, noting that high-risk patient populations should make it a priority to get vaccinated “as soon as possible.”
It is important for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease, for instance, to be vaccinated as soon as they can. The same is also true for heart attack and stroke survivors.
In addition, the group emphasized, everyone should eventually be vaccinated—not just those individuals with no specific risk factors or medical complications.
The statement, available in full on the AHA website, represents “the views of the association and its science leaders.”
The AHA describes the clinical trials for the vaccines as “rigorous and robust” and says its members have been paying close attention to the reported side effects associated with vaccination.
“Some people have expressed concerns about taking the vaccine,” according to the statement. “However, after review by science and medical experts, the association is confident the benefits of vaccination far exceed the very small, rare risks. The benefits also far outweigh the risks of COVID-19 and its potentially fatal consequences.”
“Individuals should refer to their local and state health departments for specific information about when and where they can get vaccinated,” according to the statement. “We urge everyone to get vaccinated.”
Read the full text of the AHA statement here.
Back in December 2020, the Heart Failure Society of America also recommended that patients get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.