Vaccines for heart patients: The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released new clinical guidance recommending a range of vaccines to protect adults with heart disease from respiratory and other serious illnesses.
The document highlights influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as top priorities, while also recognising evidence that vaccines such as the shingles shot may provide added cardiovascular benefits.
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“Vaccination against communicable respiratory diseases and other serious conditions is critical for people with heart disease,” said Dr Paul Heidenreich, chair of the guidance writing committee. “With this document, we want to encourage clinicians to have these conversations and help their patients manage vaccination as part of a standard prevention and treatment plan.”
Patients with heart disease face a significantly higher risk of infection when exposed to respiratory viruses, as well as worse outcomes, such as hospitalisation or death. While vaccines have been shown to reduce these risks, a recent study found that only about 30% of primary care physicians routinely check their patients’ vaccination status.
The ACC guidance consolidates vaccine recommendations already issued by the ACC, the American Heart Association, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offering clinicians detailed evidence and answers to frequently asked questions.
Key recommendations include:
- Flu vaccine: Annual vaccination for all adults, shown to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nasal spray versions are not advised for patients over 50.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: A one-time shot for adults with heart disease aged 19 or older, to prevent pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
- COVID-19 vaccine: Seasonal vaccination for 2024–25 is recommended for all adults with heart disease, as evidence shows it provides protection not only against infection and death but also against complications such as heart attack, stroke, and long COVID.
- RSV vaccine: A single dose for adults 75 and older and for those aged 50–74 with heart disease to prevent severe lower respiratory disease.
- Shingles vaccine: Two doses for adults over 50, given the higher risk of shingles-related stroke and heart attack in those with heart disease.
(Source: American College of Cardiology)