Is the flu shot safe if I have heart disease?

Flu shots are safe for most people who have heart disease.

The nasal spray flu vaccine, called FluMist, isn't recommended for people with heart disease or who are 50 years and older. Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine is made with a live virus.

The flu shot is usually given in the upper arm. Some people get temporary side effects such as mild soreness at the injection site, muscle aches or low fever. You can't get the flu or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a flu vaccine.

Check with your healthcare professional before getting a flu shot if:

• You have or think you have COVID-19.
• You had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
• You got Guillain-Barre syndrome after getting a flu shot.
• You have a fever.

You can still get a flu shot if you're allergic to eggs.