Kelly Dodd Admits COVID Vaccine Regret Years Later

Kelly Dodd, known from 'Real Housewives', has admitted to getting a COVID-19 vaccine. This is a change from her earlier public statements.
By Newsroom | Celebrity News, Health |

Reality Star's About-Face on COVID-19 Shots Sparks Reflection on Past Stances

Kelly Dodd, formerly of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County', has recently admitted to secretly receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, a statement that stands in stark contrast to her previous public pronouncements. This revelation, made recently, suggests a complex personal journey through the pandemic, marked by evolving views and public scrutiny. Dodd now expresses regret over the decision, citing concerns about personal freedom and anecdotal evidence of adverse effects.

'RHOC' Alum Kelly Dodd Confesses She Secretly Got COVID Vaccine, Regrets It - 1

Dodd's admission, detailed in reports from June 4, 2026, comes years after her initial, often vocal, resistance to pandemic-related protocols. She has now stated she received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a choice she links to travel restrictions at the time. The sentiment of regret is apparently tied to her belief that her natural immunity was sufficient and that the vaccine imposed limitations on her.

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'RHOC' Alum Kelly Dodd Confesses She Secretly Got COVID Vaccine, Regrets It - 2

This late-in-the-game confession revisits a period where Dodd's public persona was heavily intertwined with her dismissive stance on the virus and its preventative measures. Her previous comments, which included remarks like "God's way of thinning the herd" and downplaying the virus's severity, drew significant criticism and ultimately contributed to her dismissal from 'RHOC'. At one point, she claimed to have already received a vaccine, a statement that was later contradicted by reports.

'RHOC' Alum Kelly Dodd Confesses She Secretly Got COVID Vaccine, Regrets It - 3

"I wound up getting the Johnson & Johnson shot … I actually got vaccinated against COVID after all."

Dodd's shift in narrative highlights a period of intense division and conflicting information surrounding the pandemic. Her current stance echoes arguments against vaccine mandates and emphasizes a perceived loss of autonomy. She has pointed to instances where individuals allegedly experienced adverse health effects after vaccination, including a friend who reportedly developed myocarditis.

'RHOC' Alum Kelly Dodd Confesses She Secretly Got COVID Vaccine, Regrets It - 4

"Another friend of mine who was fine before she got jabbed got Myocarditis and almost died…"

The timeline of Dodd's engagement with COVID-19 and vaccination is particularly noteworthy. In early 2021, she was seen at a vaccination facility, sharing videos of herself and her husband, Rick Leventhal, getting vaccinated. This occurred despite earlier claims of not having received the vaccine. Further complicating matters, Dodd had also previously blamed Heather Dubrow's son for giving her and her husband COVID-19, an accusation for which she later apologized after receiving a letter from Dubrow's attorney. Her daughter, Jolie Dodd, also contracted the virus.

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Dodd's controversial remarks, including her downplaying of the virus and comparisons of restrictions to living in Russia, led to repercussions, including the termination of her affiliation with a beverage company. Her statements at the time often seemed to be a defense of her personal choices and a rejection of what she perceived as an overreach of authority.

The context of her public image, built on a foundation of outspokenness, means her evolving position on vaccination invites scrutiny. While she now regrets the vaccine, her earlier public stance had already cemented a particular image, making this recent admission a complex chapter in her public narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Kelly Dodd recently admit about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Kelly Dodd, a former reality TV star, recently admitted on June 4, 2026, that she secretly received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This is a change from her previous public statements and actions regarding the vaccine.
Q: Why does Kelly Dodd now regret getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
Dodd expressed regret, stating she believes her natural immunity was enough and that the vaccine limited her personal freedom. She also mentioned anecdotal evidence of adverse effects, like a friend developing myocarditis.
Q: What was Kelly Dodd's previous stance on COVID-19 and vaccines?
Previously, Dodd made controversial remarks downplaying the virus's severity and opposing pandemic restrictions. She had also made conflicting statements about whether she had been vaccinated.
Q: What were the consequences of Kelly Dodd's past statements?
Her past comments led to significant public criticism and contributed to her dismissal from 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'. She also lost a deal with a beverage company due to her remarks.
Q: When was Kelly Dodd seen getting vaccinated?
In early 2021, Kelly Dodd was seen at a vaccination site and shared videos of herself and her husband getting vaccinated, despite earlier claims that she had not received the vaccine.