Heart Health and Vaccines: What You Need to Know This Fall

When the leaves start turning and temperatures drop, fall also signals the arrival of flu season and vaccine time. For many people, getting vaccinated is a routine part of protecting themselves and their families against seasonal illnesses. But for those living with heart disease or at risk of heart problems, vaccines take on an even greater importance. Certain infections can pose serious complications for the heart, and vaccines offer an essential layer of protection.

 Why Vaccines Matter for People with Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. While managing lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and medications is critical, many don’t realize that infections such as influenza, pneumonia, or COVID-19 can significantly worsen heart problems.

• Viral or bacterial infections can trigger inflammation, placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

• Illnesses like the flu are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in the weeks following infection.

• For people with weakened hearts, the extra strain from fighting off an infection can lead to heart failure exacerbations or dangerous arrhythmias.

 Vaccines help lower these risks by reducing the likelihood of contracting infections or experiencing severe complications if you do get sick.

Recommended Vaccines for Fall and Beyond

Here are the vaccines most often recommended for people with heart disease, or anyone looking to stay healthy this season:

1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

• Timing: Every fall, ideally by the end of October.

• Why it matters: The flu is not just a respiratory illness; it can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Studies have shown that getting the flu shot can reduce the risk of cardiac events, hospitalization, and death in people with heart disease.

• Options: Standard flu shots, high-dose vaccines for older adults, and nasal spray vaccines (though not usually recommended for those with chronic conditions).

2. COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters

• Timing: Annually, with updated versions to match circulating strains.

• Why it matters: COVID-19 has been strongly linked to increased cardiovascular risks, including heart inflammation (myocarditis), blood clots, and arrhythmias. Vaccination helps prevent severe illness and lowers the chance of these complications.

3. Pneumococcal Vaccine

• Timing: One-time or series, depending on age and health status.

• Why it matters: Pneumonia is especially dangerous for people with heart disease, often leading to hospitalization or worsening cardiac conditions. The CDC recommends adults 65+ and certain younger adults with chronic conditions get either PCV20 or a combination of PCV15 followed by PPSV23.

4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

• Timing: Newly available for adults 60+ (and some younger adults with risk factors).

• Why it matters: RSV is usually thought of as a childhood illness, but in older adults, it can cause severe lung infections and stress the heart. Vaccination can reduce this risk.

5. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

• Timing: Two-dose series, typically recommended for adults 50 and older.

• Why it matters: Shingles itself isn’t directly tied to heart disease, but the painful condition can raise stress hormones and inflammation in the body, which may trigger cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.

6. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Booster

• Timing: Every 10 years.

• Why it matters: Keeping up with standard immunizations ensures the immune system stays strong and reduces the risk of complications from otherwise preventable diseases.

Important Considerations Before Getting Vaccinated

While vaccines are broadly safe and effective, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Talk with your doctor first. If you have advanced heart disease, take blood thinners, or have other medical conditions, your healthcare provider can help prioritize which vaccines are most important for you.

• Understand the risks vs. benefits. Most vaccines have only mild side effects, like a sore arm or fatigue. Rare risks—such as allergic reactions—are outweighed by the protection they provide, especially for those with vulnerable hearts.

• Annual vs. one-time shots. Some vaccines, like the flu or COVID-19 shots, are needed annually, while others (such as shingles or pneumococcal vaccines) may be one-time or two-dose series.

• Timing matters. Fall is the perfect season to catch up on vaccines before respiratory viruses peak in the winter months.

How Vaccines Fit Into the Bigger Picture of Heart Health

Vaccines aren’t a replacement for traditional heart disease management, but they are an important complement. Alongside:

• Medication adherence — staying consistent with blood pressure medications, statins, or anticoagulants to keep risk factors under control.

• Lifestyle adjustments — maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress.

• Regular medical checkups — keeping scheduled appointments to monitor heart function, lab results, and overall health trends.

• Preventive measures like vaccines — reducing the chance that an infection will trigger cardiac complications or undo progress made in other areas.

Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to heart health, helping people manage existing conditions while lowering their risk for future emergencies.

ACLS Academy’s Commitment to Education and Prevention

At ACLS Academy, we believe that prevention is as important as response. Just as CPR and AED training empowers communities to act in emergencies, vaccines empower individuals to stay healthier and avoid those emergencies altogether.

Our role extends beyond training—by raising awareness about heart health and the ways vaccines protect people living with heart disease, we help build safer, healthier communities.

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ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We offer high-quality courses taught by instructors who are practicing medical professionals, including ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS-EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Browse our course catalog.