Immunisations and heart health

Many people are unaware that viruses, such as the flu, can increase the risk of serious heart problems.

Recent findings also show that vaccination can do more than prevent severe illness and hospitalisations; it may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

New guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) highlight vaccination as an effective way to protect against infections while also helping lower cardiovascular risk, particularly for vulnerable people. Increasing evidence shows that vaccines for illnesses such as influenza (the flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and herpes zoster (shingles) can greatly reduce infection rates and severe illness.

Research also suggests some vaccines may have broader benefits beyond the targeted illness.

For example, the influenza vaccine has been linked to lower rates of major cardiovascular events, with studies suggesting vaccination may reduce related risks by about one-third.

A Canadian study also found a sixfold increase in heart attack and stroke risk in the week after influenza infection.

Influenza

Influenza has long been associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Flu vaccination can reduce the chances of catching the flu by up to 60%, while research also suggests vaccinated individuals may experience approximately a 30% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events.

RSV

For adults aged 60 and over, studies show the RSV vaccine is about 79–80% effective at preventing hospitalisation from severe illness.

Shingles

Herpes zoster, or shingles, has been linked to cardiovascular complications including heart attack and stroke, particularly in the first month after reactivation.

Research suggests the shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing the disease and may also reduce cardiovascular events by more than 50%.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Research has highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for people with cardiovascular conditions because of their increased risk of complications.

What serious infections do to your heart

Serious infections place stress on the body and can increase inflammation, make the heart work harder, and worsen existing heart conditions.

For some people, particularly those with heart disease or other risk factors, infections can trigger serious events such as heart attacks or heart failure.

By helping prevent severe illness, vaccines may also help reduce the strain infections place on the heart.