Fox News co-anchor John Roberts recently disclosed during an on-air conversation that he developed pericarditis after receiving COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. Roberts, a prominent journalist, explained that the heart condition first appeared following his third COVID vaccine dose and returned after his fourth dose.
"The body reacts differently to these things depending on who you are." — John Roberts, Co-Anchor of Fox News' "America Reports"
Pericarditis is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart. Symptoms often include sharp chest pain, which can sometimes be confused with other cardiovascular issues. Roberts stated that his initial bout of pericarditis eventually subsided, only to re-emerge after his second booster shot. "I remember when I got the boosters, I developed pericarditis, and then that went away," Roberts recounted. "Then, when I had the second booster, it came roaring back again." He concluded, "So, you know, the body reacts differently to these things depending on who you are."
Roberts' recent comments come amidst a history of publicly discussing various heart-related health challenges. In early 2022, he underwent a cardiac procedure to implant a pacemaker, addressing complications from a previously implanted stent and other heart problems. At the time, he light-heartedly referred to himself as "battery powered." Additionally, Roberts has openly battled atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition marked by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. In a social media post from 2024, he detailed receiving treatment at the Cleveland Clinic for "the intractable AFib that has plagued me since that whole 'COVID thing.'" He later reported successful results from a cardiac ablation procedure, stating, "Happy to report not a single episode since."
While Roberts has previously associated some of his health concerns with "long COVID" and cited them as reasons for seeking further vaccination, his latest disclosure specifically links the timing of his pericarditis episodes to his booster shots. He did not, however, attribute all of his cardiovascular issues to the vaccines.
The Fox News anchor has also been a public figure in discussions surrounding vaccine efficacy and safety. In 2021, Roberts faced criticism after questioning the long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines following the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell. He subsequently clarified his position, rejecting suggestions that he was anti-vaccination. Roberts affirmed that he had received the vaccine himself, participated in a public service announcement promoting vaccination, and intended to get a booster shot. His current statements, while directly linking his pericarditis to the booster shots, maintain his perspective that individual responses to vaccination can vary significantly.
The discussion around vaccine side effects has been a point of ongoing public interest and debate. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to monitor and evaluate vaccine safety profiles. Public figures disclosing personal health experiences related to vaccination often draw considerable attention and contribute to broader conversations about public health policy and individual medical choices. For instance, Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene recently commented on related concerns via social media, stating, "The U.S. FDA knowingly approved a new mRNA flu vaccine that causes myocarditis and pericarditis and many other adverse side effects just like Covid mRNA vaccines. Trump’s FDA has completely BETRAYED your voters."
Roberts' experience underscores the complexity of individual health responses to medical interventions and contributes to the public dialogue surrounding vaccine safety and personal health decisions. His transparent account highlights the varied ways individuals can react to vaccinations, a point he reiterated by saying, "The body reacts differently to these things, depending on who you are."
