Overview

• The American College of Cardiology published concise clinical guidance urging adults with cardiovascular disease to receive influenza, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines to cut severe illness and cardiovascular events.
• Recommendations include an annual flu shot; a one-time pneumococcal dose (PCV20 or PCV21, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 per history); seasonal COVID-19 vaccination for 2024–25 with additional boosters for some older or immunocompromised adults; a single RSV dose for adults 75+ and for ages 50–74 with heart disease; and two shingles doses for adults 50+.
• The guidance instructs cardiologists to assess vaccination status during visits and to administer vaccines in cardiology clinics or provide strong referrals to improve uptake.
• ACC leaders cite evidence that vaccination reduces hospitalization, death, and infection-triggered events such as heart attacks and strokes, while noting that only about 30% of primary care physicians routinely check vaccine status.
• The document consolidates ACC/AHA and prior CDC guidance and contrasts with current HHS policy changes, including the ACIP overhaul, which could affect insurance coverage and access as public polling shows waning intent to seek updated COVID-19 shots.