Fox News co-anchor John Roberts disclosed that he developed pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, experiencing the condition twice. Roberts, a veteran journalist who co-anchors “America Reports,” shared his personal health experience during a recent on-air discussion concerning varied individual reactions to vaccines. He stated that his first episode of pericarditis occurred after receiving his third COVID-19 vaccine dose, commonly referred to as the first booster. The condition, he noted, subsequently "came roaring back again" after he received a fourth dose, or second booster.
"I remember when I got the boosters, I developed pericarditis, and then that went away. It came roaring back again after I received a second booster." John Roberts, Co-Anchor of America Reports, Fox News
Pericarditis is characterized by the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like tissue that encases the heart. Individuals experiencing this condition may present with symptoms such as sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. These symptoms can range in severity and may require medical intervention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged that cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis have been rarely reported after COVID-19 vaccination. According to federal health officials, these rare cases have been observed most frequently in adolescent and young adult males, typically within seven days following their second dose of an mRNA vaccine. While less common, cases have also been documented among women and after other vaccine doses. The CDC maintains that the risk of these conditions is rare and continues to emphasize that COVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces the danger of severe outcomes from the virus, including potential cardiac complications associated with the infection itself.
Federal guidance advises that individuals who develop myocarditis or pericarditis within three weeks of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination should generally avoid subsequent doses unless a comprehensive individualized medical assessment supports further vaccination. Health officials also encourage both doctors and patients to report any suspected adverse reactions to vaccines, even when a direct causal link has not been definitively established.
Roberts' personal account details the timing of his medical episodes in relation to his booster doses. However, his statements do not independently provide definitive proof that every heart problem he has experienced directly resulted from vaccination. The Fox News anchor has a documented history of cardiovascular issues, having previously disclosed various other heart-related conditions. In early 2022, Roberts underwent cardiac treatment and received a pacemaker following complications with a previously implanted stent. He light-heartedly referred to himself as "battery powered" after the procedure. He has also openly discussed suffering from atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat. In a 2024 social media update, Roberts reported undergoing an ablation procedure at the Cleveland Clinic to address persistent AFib, subsequently confirming he had not experienced another episode in the following year.
Roberts also mentioned experiencing symptoms associated with "long COVID," which he cited as a factor in his decision to receive additional vaccine doses. His recent remarks on pericarditis represent a notable shift from his earlier public stance on COVID-19 vaccination. Earlier in the pandemic, in 2021, Roberts was an outspoken supporter of vaccination. At that time, he actively pushed back against claims that he opposed COVID-19 vaccines, particularly after questioning their long-term effectiveness following the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Roberts publicly stated then that he had been vaccinated, participated in a public service announcement encouraging vaccination, and intended to obtain a booster shot.
Roberts' recent comments underscore his belief that individuals can react differently to vaccines. He emphasized that anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing or pounding heartbeat after vaccination should promptly seek medical attention, aligning with CDC guidance. Federal vaccine monitoring systems continue to identify myocarditis and pericarditis as serious, though uncommon, adverse events reported post-COVID-19 vaccination.
