For the 48% of adults in the US living with heart disease, staying healthy means paying attention to more than just blood pressure, cholesterol and medications. Protecting your heart health long-term also includes preventing infections such as the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia. 

Illnesses that affect the lungs and immune system can put extra strain on the heart, especially in those who already have a form of cardiovascular disease. 

“Vaccinations are an important part of protecting the health of people living with heart disease,” says Nebraska Medicine internal medicine fellow Morgan Newlun, DO. “Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help prevent infection or reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.”

Why are infections riskier for people with heart disease?

When the body is fighting an infection, the heart works harder. Heart rate and inflammation rise, and the body needs more oxygen and nutrients. If someone has heart disease, that added stress can be dangerous.

“Infections such as the flu place extra stress on the body and the heart,” says Dr. Newlun. “This increased strain can lead to serious complications, including worsening heart function, heart attacks, stroke and even death.” 

People with cardiovascular disease are more likely to experience severe illness from viral and bacterial infections. Even after recovery, the effects on the heart can linger.

“Inflammation that lingers after an infection can increase the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke,” says Dr. Newlun.

Which vaccines are recommended for people with heart disease?

The American College of Cardiology recommends that people with heart disease stay up to date on several vaccines that help protect against serious infections.

These may include:

• Influenza (flu).
• COVID-19.
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia).
• RSV.
• Shingles.

“These vaccines are particularly important because the infections can lead to serious complications in people with cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Newlun.

Recommendations may vary depending on age, medical history and underlying conditions. Some adults younger than 50 with chronic medical conditions may qualify for pneumococcal vaccination. It’s generally recommended for all adults aged 50 and older who haven’t previously received it. 

Are vaccines safe for people with heart disease?

Vaccines are considered safe for most people with heart disease and are an important way to reduce the risk of severe illness, according to Dr. Newlun.

“People with heart disease generally experience the same side effects as the general population, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or mild fever,” says Dr. Newlun. “There are no side effects specific to heart patients in most cases.”

Some patients have concerns about reports of myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, following COVID-19 vaccination. Dr. Newlun says those cases are rare and are usually mild.

“Myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination occurs most often in adolescent and young adult males,” she says. “When it does occur, cases are typically mild and temporary.”

She also emphasizes that the risk of heart-related complications from infections themselves is significantly higher than the risk associated with vaccines. 

What if someone recently had heart surgery or a cardiac event? 

Some people wonder if they should delay vaccines after a heart procedure, hospitalization or cardiac event. In most cases, vaccinations are still safe afterward unless a health care provider recommends waiting.

Patients who are immunocompromised or recovering from more complex medical situations may need specialized guidance. 

“The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as a person is willing and medically able to do so,” says Dr. Newlun.

Vaccines are available through primary care clinics, pharmacies and healthcare systems. Patients can talk with their doctor or cardiologist about which vaccines they may need and where to receive them.

Dr. Newlun encourages patients to have open conversations with their health care provider, as questions and hesitations about vaccines are common.

“It’s completely understandable for patients to have questions or concerns about vaccinations,” says Dr. Newlun. “Open conversations can help address concerns using evidence-based information, so patients can make informed decisions about their health.”