Overview

• The American College of Cardiology issued Concise Clinical Guidance on Aug. 26 recommending yearly COVID-19 and influenza vaccination for adults with cardiovascular disease.
• The guidance also advises a single RSV dose for adults 75 and older and for those aged 50–74 with heart disease, pneumococcal vaccination per ACIP options (PCV20 or PCV21, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23), and two-dose shingles vaccination starting at age 50.
• ACC says immunization reduces risks of severe illness, hospitalization, cardiovascular events and death for this high‑risk population and urges clinicians to offer vaccines during cardiology visits.
• The document highlights practical barriers, noting only about 30% of physicians routinely assess vaccination history, and presents cardiology clinics as key access points.
• The recommendations consolidate ACC/AHA and CDC evidence and arrive as federal vaccine policy is being reshaped, raising questions about insurance coverage tied to ACIP decisions.