Flu Shots Reduce Heart Attacks by 26%

The journal Scientific Reports recently published a meta-analysis that confirmed cardiovascular events remain a substantial global health concern and that common influenza vaccines may benefit older people during flu outbreaks.

These researchers found compelling evidence that influenza vaccination is associated with a decreased risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular death.

This study shows a 26% decreased risk of heart attacks in people who received an influenza vaccination and a 33% reduction in cardiovascular deaths.

On November 19, 2023, the study revealed Pooled relative risks (RR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the associations.

A notable reduction in major cardiovascular events was observed among patients who received the influenza vaccine, with 517 cases compared to 621 cases in the placebo group (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55–0.91).

The stratified analysis revealed a decreased risk of MI in vaccinated patients (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56–0.97).

And a significant reduction in cardiovascular death events (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.45–0.98).

These findings highlight the potential of influenza vaccination as an adjunctive strategy in cardiovascular disease prevention.

As of November 20, 2023, the U.S. CDC recommends that most people six months of age and older get one dose of any approved influenza vaccine before the flu season arrives in their community. Annual flu shots are generally available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.