Authors:
Noelle Cordova, PharmD
Laura McAuliffe, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Reviewers:
Christopher Betz, PharmD, BCPS
Ashley Schenk, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP

Citation:
RJFröbert O, Götberg M, Erlinge D, et al. Influenza Vaccination After Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter TrialCirculation. 2021;144(18):1476-1484.

The Problem

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza and cardiovascular disease were leading causes of death in the United States, with coronary artery disease (CAD) causing over 360,000 deaths and influenza causing thousands more every year.1,2 Observational studies and small clinical trials have suggested an association between influenza and the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, with influenza vaccination potentially reducing CV event rates.3 This association is thought to be related to inflammation, which plays a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. While inflammation is multi-factorial, infection, including infections caused by the influenza virus, can modulate the inflammatory response and exacerbate the imbalance in myocardial oxygen supply and demand seen in patients with coronary disease.3,4  Unfortunately, many patients with CAD do not receive the influenza vaccine and it’s not a “top of mind” intervention during hospitalizations and post-discharge patient encounters.

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