Influenza Vaccination and Cardiovascular Disease
First published: January 2014
Reviewed: 17 October 2018
Evidence from several studies indicates that annual vaccination against seasonal influenza reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular conditions. Studies indicate that the influenza vaccine almost halves the risk of heart attacks in older adults. The Immunisation Coalition recommends influenza immunisation for patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) prior to discharge from hospital, and as part of comprehensive secondary prevention in persons with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Healthcare providers, including specialists, who treat individuals with cardiovascular disease can help improve influenza vaccination coverage rates by asking about vaccination status, strongly recommending and providing vaccination to their patients before and throughout the influenza season.