COVID vaccines are crucial in preventing long-term health risks
COVID vaccines remain crucial in preventing long-term health risks after a study found that it reduced the risk of heart failure.
A groundbreaking study published in the British Medical Journal has revealed that COVID vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of heart failure and blood clots following a COVID infection.
The research, which analysed data from over 20 million people in Europe, found that the positive health effects lasted for up to a year and were more pronounced immediately after infection.
COVID VACCINES CUT RISK OF BLOOD CLOTS AND HEART FAILURE
The study discovered that COVID vaccines reduced the risk of blood clots in the veins by an impressive 78% within a month after infection. Additionally, the vaccines were found to reduce the risk of blood clots in the arteries by 47% and heart failure by 55%.
Dr John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital and an ABC News Medical contributor, emphasised the importance of these findings, stating, “While there has been concern about the risk of myocarditis and other thromboembolic events following vaccination, this analysis highlights that the risk of such complications is notably higher when it comes from the SARS-CoV-2 infection itself.”
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
The researchers also found that the benefits of COVID vaccines extended beyond the initial month after infection. In the six-month period following infection, COVID vaccines reduced the risk of a blood clot in the vein by 47%, a blood clot in an artery by 28%, and heart failure by 39%.
These findings underscore the long-term protective effects of COVID vaccines against severe health complications.
COVID VACCINES CRUCIAL IN REDUCING LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS
The study’s results have significant implications for future vaccine policy. As Dr Brownstein pointed out, “As we consider future vaccine policy, these results add a vital piece to the puzzle, showing that COVID-19 vaccines are a key tool in reducing the risk of long-term health issues following infection.”
The research highlights the crucial role that COVID vaccines play in protecting individuals from severe health complications, both in the short and long term.
ADDITIONAL VACCINE RECOMMENDED FOR OLDER ADULTS
In light of these findings, it is important to note that adults over the age of 65 are now able to receive an additional updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe hospitalisation and death, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This extra layer of protection is particularly crucial for older individuals who may be more vulnerable to the severe consequences of COVID infection.
The study’s findings provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing the risk of heart failure and blood clots following a COVID infection.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, these results underscore the importance of widespread vaccination efforts in protecting public health and mitigating the long-term impacts of the virus.