Health
ACC Issues New Vaccine Guidance for Heart Health
Health Points
- The American College of Cardiology (ACC) released updated vaccine guidelines focused on reducing heart attack and stroke risk for adults with heart disease.
- Vaccination is especially important for people with heart disease, as respiratory infections can lead to severe complications.
- Recommended vaccines include flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, RSV, and shingles, each backed by strong evidence for benefit.
The latest ACC recommendations aim to help adults with heart disease understand which vaccines are important, how often to get them, and their benefits.
Recent research shows that less than a third of primary care doctors ask about adult immunizations, a factor that could impact heart health outcomes.
Vaccine Advice Backed by Research
Dr. Paul Heidenreich, committee chair and Stanford Medicine cardiologist, says vaccines play a key role in lowering risk for serious heart complications.
People with heart disease are at greater risk for severe illness from respiratory infections, according to the CDC.
“If the lungs are damaged from infection, the person’s breathing is worse if they also have heart disease,” says Dr. Heidenreich.
Inflammation from respiratory infections can worsen existing heart conditions, increasing the threat of major events.
“During the COVID pandemic, people with preexisting heart conditions were more likely to become critically ill or die as a result of infection,” says Dr. Christopher Kelly, a cardiologist at UNC Health.
One in twenty adults over 20 has coronary heart disease, making prevention efforts especially significant.
What to Know About Each Vaccine
The ACC committee, comprised of national experts, delivered recommendations based on comprehensive evidence.
- Flu Vaccine: All adults should receive an annual flu shot, with high-dose options for those 65 or older. Flu infection increases the risk of heart attack and vaccination can reduce major heart events by 36%.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Adults with heart disease and those over 50 are advised to get vaccinated against pneumonia. This vaccine lowers the risk of severe pneumonia and related complications by up to 75%.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: A seasonal COVID shot remains recommended for people with heart disease. Research shows vaccination lowers rates of infection, hospitalization, and cardiovascular events linked to COVID-19.
- RSV Vaccine: Adults over 75, and those 50–74 with chronic conditions, should receive the RSV vaccine. It helps prevent respiratory illness that causes thousands of hospitalizations among older adults each year.
- Shingles Vaccine: Adults 50 and older should have two doses, spaced two to six months apart. Shingles vaccination reduces inflammation that can trigger heart complications and offers benefits for years.
Common Questions Answered
Vaccine side effects are almost always mild, such as a sore arm or fatigue. Serious side effects are extremely rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks for people with heart disease.
Keep your heart protected by following recommended vaccination schedules and speaking with your healthcare provider about your options.