US President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a press appearance at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday, September 22.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
President Donald Trump received both a Covid-19 vaccination and a seasonal flu shot during his medical evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, according to a statement released by the White House physician.
“In advance of his upcoming overseas travel, President Trump underwent routine preventive screenings and received recommended immunizations, including the annual influenza vaccine and the latest Covid-19 booster,” wrote Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, in a memo.
The move comes as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer broadly recommends Covid-19 vaccines for all adults. Instead, it encourages individuals to consult with their clinicians to determine whether vaccination is suitable for them—a process known as shared clinical decision-making. Though a conversation with a medical professional is recommended, obtaining the vaccine does not always require a prescription.
Dr. Barbabella also claimed—without offering supporting medical data—that Trump’s “cardiac age” is significantly lower than his actual age of 79.
“President Trump continues to maintain strong overall health,” Barbabella wrote. “An ECG-based assessment indicates his heart health is comparable to that of someone approximately 14 years younger. He keeps an intense daily schedule with no limitations.”
Friday’s visit to Walter Reed drew attention because it marked Trump’s second trip there this year—an unusual break from past presidential medical routines. Trump underwent what was described at the time as his “annual” physical in April. He told reporters that the latest trip was part of a “semi-annual” health check.
But medical experts raised eyebrows over the vague nature of the report released by the White House.
“What stands out most is the lack of transparency. Something clearly prompted expanded testing, yet the memo avoids providing meaningful medical data,” said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, an interventional cardiologist and CNN medical analyst. “Simply saying his results are ‘stable’ is not the same as saying they are normal.”
Reiner also questioned the relevance of the “AI-derived cardiac age” mentioned in the report.
“That metric isn’t used in standard cardiology,” he explained. “What would actually matter are his real diagnostic results—his blood pressure, cholesterol, EKG findings, heart function, any arrhythmias. Instead, those details were left out.”
Trump’s health has been a recurring topic of public interest. At 79, he is among the oldest sitting presidents. Observers have noticed frequent bruising on his right hand, which he occasionally conceals with makeup. The White House medical office previously attributed the marks to aspirin use combined with frequent handshakes.
Earlier this year, the administration revealed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory condition that can cause swelling in the legs. While common and manageable, the disclosure fueled speculation about his health after photos showed visible swelling.