Can people with anxiety disorder receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Dec 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, whether individuals with anxiety disorders can receive the COVID-19 vaccine should be determined based on their current clinical condition: those with stable conditions and no severe complications may receive the vaccine as usual; however, those experiencing an acute episode or suffering from significant physical discomfort are advised to postpone vaccination. It is important in daily life to maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), avoid intense emotional fluctuations, and adhere to prescribed treatments to maintain stability of their condition.

Generally, whether individuals with anxiety disorder can receive the COVID-19 vaccine should be determined based on their current clinical condition: those with stable conditions and no severe complications may receive the vaccine normally; however, those experiencing an acute episode or suffering significant physical discomfort are advised to postpone vaccination. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Anxiety patients with stable conditions who have achieved emotional stability through standardized treatment, without significant physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, and who have no other contraindications to vaccination, typically will not experience worsening of their condition after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. They can safely complete vaccination according to standard procedures and gain normal immune protection.

If a patient is in an acute phase of anxiety disorder, frequently experiencing intense panic, restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, or has uncontrolled underlying medical conditions such as hypertension or heart disease, vaccination might trigger increased discomfort due to physiological stress responses. In such cases, it is recommended to first stabilize the condition using medication and psychological interventions, and then reassess the timing for vaccination once symptoms have improved.

In daily life, patients should maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid extreme emotional fluctuations, and adhere to prescribed treatments to keep their condition stable. Before vaccination, they should proactively inform healthcare providers about their medical history and current medications. A professional assessment can then be made to determine the appropriateness of vaccination, ensuring both effective immunity and minimal health risks.

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