Fox News anchor John Roberts said he developed pericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster and experienced the condition again following another dose.
Roberts, who co-anchors “America Reports,” discussed the episodes during a recent on-air interview about how individuals can experience different reactions to vaccines.
“I remember when I got the boosters, I developed pericarditis, and then that went away,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the condition later “came roaring back again” after he received a second booster.
The veteran journalist reportedly received four COVID-19 vaccine doses. He associated his first pericarditis episode with his third dose—commonly called the first booster—and the recurrence with his fourth.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the thin, sac-like tissue surrounding the heart. Symptoms may include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that myocarditis and pericarditis have rarely occurred following COVID-19 vaccination.
The cases identified by federal health officials have appeared most frequently in adolescent and young adult males, typically within seven days of their second dose of an mRNA vaccine. Cases have also been documented among women and following other doses.
The CDC describes the risk as rare and continues to state that vaccination can reduce the danger of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including potential cardiac complications associated with the virus.
Federal guidance says people who develop myocarditis or pericarditis within three weeks of a COVID-19 vaccination should generally avoid receiving another dose unless an individualized medical assessment supports proceeding.
Roberts’ account describes the timing of his medical episodes but does not independently prove that every heart problem he has experienced resulted from vaccination.
The Fox News anchor has previously disclosed a complicated cardiovascular history involving other conditions.
Roberts underwent cardiac treatment in early 2022 and received a pacemaker after experiencing problems involving a previously implanted stent. He later joked that the device left him “battery powered.”
He has also discussed suffering from atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a condition involving an irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat.
In a 2024 social media update, Roberts said he underwent an ablation procedure at the Cleveland Clinic to address persistent AFib. He subsequently reported that he had not experienced another episode during the following year.
Roberts has additionally spoken about experiencing symptoms associated with long COVID, which he cited while explaining his decision to receive another vaccine dose.
His latest remarks represent a shift from his outspoken support for vaccination earlier in the pandemic.
In 2021, Roberts pushed back against claims that he opposed COVID-19 vaccines after questioning their long-term effectiveness following the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Roberts said at the time that he had been vaccinated, appeared in a public service announcement encouraging vaccination and intended to obtain a booster.
Federal vaccine monitoring systems have identified myocarditis and pericarditis as serious but uncommon adverse events reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Health officials encourage doctors and patients to report suspected reactions even when it remains unclear whether a vaccine caused them.
Roberts maintained that his own episodes followed his booster doses and said his experience demonstrated that people can react differently.
Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or a racing or pounding heartbeat after vaccination should seek medical attention, according to CDC guidance.
