Don’t Miss a Beat: The Importance of Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Coronary Disease

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 Trial. Circulation. 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.