New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) – Adults with cardiovascular disease should receive immunisations against Covid-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia, shingles (herpes zoster), and other preventable diseases, according to new recommendations from the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
The updated guidance outlines the scientific evidence supporting each vaccine and provides answers to common questions to help clinicians discuss immunisation plans with their patients.
“Vaccination against respiratory and other serious infectious diseases is crucial for people with heart disease. However, many patients lack awareness about which vaccines they need, how frequently to get them, and why they matter,” said Paul Heidenreich, chair of the ACC’s Concise Clinical Guidance (CCG) writing committee. “We want to empower clinicians to include vaccination as part of standard prevention and treatment.”
People with heart conditions face an elevated risk of infection and severe outcomes when exposed to respiratory viruses, including hospitalisation and death. While vaccines significantly reduce these risks, studies show that only 30% of primary care doctors routinely check their patients’ vaccination status.
Key recommendations include:
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Annual influenza vaccination for all adults to reduce heart-related complications, mortality, and overall death rates. Nasal spray flu vaccines are not advised for patients over 50.
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Pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged 19 and older with heart disease to protect against pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and related hospitalisation risks.
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Seasonal Covid-19 vaccination for heart patients.
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RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, and those aged 50–74 with heart disease, as a single-dose immunisation to help prevent severe lower respiratory infections.
The CCG also highlights growing evidence that the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine, recommended for adults aged 50 and above, may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack associated with shingles infections.
While primarily focusing on respiratory vaccines, the guidance encourages a comprehensive immunisation strategy to protect heart patients from preventable illness and its serious cardiovascular consequences.