[Vaccination and cardiovascular diseases]

Respiratory tract infections with influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and respiratory syncytial (RS) viruses and pneumococci as well as endogenous reactivation of varicella zoster viruses presenting as herpes zoster, are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as myocardial infarction or hospitalization for heart failure. Effective prevention of these events, particularly through influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, is well established and cost-effective. Despite guideline recommendations to vaccinate older patients and people at risk, vaccination rates in these population groups remain suboptimal and below average in international comparison. This article sheds light on the association of vaccine preventable diseases with cardiovascular complications and demonstrates the protective effect of the respective vaccinations. Additionally, recommendations on the practical approach to vaccinating high-risk patients are given.