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 (FluMist) isn't recommended for people with heart disease or who are 65 years and older. Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine is made with a live virus.

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

Check with your doctor before getting a flu shot if:

• You have or think you have COVID-19
• You've had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past
• You have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome that developed after receiving a flu shot
• You have a fever when you go to get a flu shot

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