[Vaccination against pneumococcus: a new pillar for cardiovascular prevention]

Vaccination is emerging as a major pillar of cardiovascular prevention, alongside traditional strategies. Bacterial and viral infections, particularly pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniæ), represent important triggers for cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients followed for heart failure, coronary artery disease, or other chronic cardiac conditions have a three-fold higher risk of pneumonia and increased vulnerability to infection-induced decompensation. Meta-analyses show that pneumococcal vaccination reduces all-cause mortality by 10-22% in patients aged over 65 years with CVD. This article examines the link between infections and cardiovascular events, identifies at-risk populations, reviews evidence for vaccine efficacy, and formulates practical recommendations for optimizing vaccination coverage in primary care. General practitioners play a crucial role in this integrated prevention strategy.