This is a question that many patients with high blood pressure are concerned about. Dr. Hien Minh would like to clarify from the outset:

Yes, people with high blood pressure can and should get vaccinated.

Vaccination is not only SAFE but also EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for protecting your health. Let’s explore why.

Why Is Vaccination Important for People with High Blood Pressure?

People with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, are classified as high-risk individuals [1].

This means that if you contract an infectious disease, your body may have to work harder to fight it than that of a healthy person. You are at greater risk of developing severe illness, experiencing dangerous complications (such as myocardial infarction or stroke), requiring hospitalization, or even dying.

Vaccines that are particularly important for you include:

1. Influenza, COVID-19, and Pneumococcal Vaccines

These diseases directly affect the respiratory system, placing a substantial burden on the heart and blood vessels [2, 3].

2. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Like influenza, RSV can cause severe illness in older adults, particularly those with heart disease (including high blood pressure) and lung disease [5, 6].

3. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles not only causes pain, but the virus itself may also increase the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction in the period following disease onset [7].

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness and death among people with underlying medical conditions [1, 2].

Is Vaccination Safe for People with High Blood Pressure?

The answer is YES. VACCINATION IS SAFE FOR PEOPLE WHOSE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS STABLE AND UNDER TREATMENT.

All recommended vaccines have undergone rigorous safety evaluation.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that the benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh any small potential risks [3, 6].

4. RSV Vaccination Recommendations

The CDC and AHA recommend a single dose of RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older with underlying cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, because they are at increased risk [5, 6].

5. Shingles Vaccination Recommendations

The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine (two doses) for all adults aged 50 years and older. This vaccine is considered safe for people with high blood pressure and has also been associated with a potential reduction in cardiovascular events related to shingles [7].

6. Concerns About Vaccines Increasing Blood Pressure

Some people worry that vaccines may increase blood pressure. Studies published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website indicate that a small number of people may experience temporary, generally minor changes in blood pressure after vaccination [4]. This is usually normal and not dangerous. It is far safer than experiencing a severe increase in blood pressure as a result of the actual infection.

Most importantly, high blood pressure is NOT a reason to postpone or refuse vaccination.

1. Key Precautions to Remember When Getting Vaccinated

To help ensure a smooth vaccination experience, people with high blood pressure should keep the following four simple precautions in mind:

1.1. Do NOT Stop Taking Blood Pressure Medication on Your Own

You MUST continue taking your blood pressure medication as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking it on your own before, during, or after vaccination.

1.2. Ensure That Your Blood Pressure Is STABLE

Try to keep your blood pressure within your target range, as advised by your doctor, before getting vaccinated. Staying relaxed and getting enough sleep can help maintain stable blood pressure.

(Note: If your blood pressure rises sharply at the vaccination site, for example, due to anxiety or fatigue after walking, healthcare staff may ask you to rest until your blood pressure stabilizes before proceeding with vaccination. This is a standard safety procedure.)

1.3. Inform Healthcare Staff

When you go for vaccination, inform healthcare staff that you have high blood pressure and tell them which medications you are taking.

1.4. Monitor Your Health After Vaccination

After vaccination, remain at the vaccination site for 15–30 minutes for observation. Once you return home, rest and monitor for common side effects, such as a mild fever, muscle aches, or pain at the injection site. These symptoms are common and usually resolve on their own.

Conclusion

Do not let high blood pressure prevent you from receiving this “shield” of protection for your health. Vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, RSV, and shingles is one of the most important measures to help people with high blood pressure stay healthy and reduce the risk of severe complications.

Consult a doctor at the Vaccination Unit of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for advice on the most appropriate vaccination schedule.

2. Medical Review Information and References

Medical Review Information:

• Medical consultation: MSc. MD Nguyen Hien Minh – Outpatient Department, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City.
• Last updated: November 16, 2025.

References:

[1] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with Certain Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[2] World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 Advice: Underlying Medical Conditions. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[3] American Heart Association (AHA). Vaccines and Heart Disease: What to Know. https://www.heart.org/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/covid-19-vaccine-info. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[4] U.S. National Library of Medicine (NCBI). Blood Pressure Changes after COVID-19 Vaccination. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8974415/. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[5] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RSV in Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/adults/index.html. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[6] American Heart Association (AHA). RSV and Heart Health. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/rsv. Accessed November 16, 2025.

[7] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shingles Vaccine Recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html. Accessed November 16, 2025.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.