Overview

• The American College of Cardiology’s new Concise Clinical Guidance recommends influenza vaccination annually, a one-time pneumococcal dose (PCV20 or PCV21, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23), a single RSV dose for adults 75 and older or ages 50–74 with heart disease, two-dose shingles vaccination for those 50 and older, and seasonal COVID-19 vaccination for people with heart disease.
• ACC cites evidence that these immunizations reduce severe illness, hospitalization, cardiovascular events and death among adults with cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiology practices are encouraged to assess vaccination status and administer vaccines in clinic to improve functional access, noting research that only about 30% of primary care visits include vaccination-status checks.
• The document consolidates ACC/AHA and CDC/ACIP recommendations and highlights that ACIP determinations influence insurance coverage of vaccines.
• The guidance arrives as federal actions under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reshape vaccine policy and advisory structures, with polling from KFF showing low public intent to receive upcoming COVID-19 shots and uncertainty about access and coverage.