Covid-19 Vaccination and Stroke Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Events Publisher Pubmed



Faghirganji M ; Abdolmohammadi N ; Ansarimoghaddam A ; Askari S ; Eshrati B
Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health Published:2026

Abstract

Reports of potential side effects have led to public concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines. This systematic review and meta-analysis globally investigated the adverse effects, focusing specifically on the risks of stroke, myocarditis, and pneumonia following COVID-19 vaccination. A systematic search was performed across databases (including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) using MeSH terms such as “adverse events,” “COVID-19,” and “SARS-CoV-2,” spanning from February 2019 to December 2023. From 708 reports identified, 8 studies were ultimately included. For hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, the pooled risk ratio was 1.13 (95 % CI: 0.87 −1.47), but this result showed high heterogeneity (I2=97.7 %). Subgroup analysis confirmed that the study country was a significant contributor to this variability. Overall, the meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant increase in the pooled risk of the investigated adverse outcomes (stroke, myocarditis, or pneumonia). Given the substantial disease prevention benefits, these findings support the recommendation for widespread vaccination across all age groups. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.