Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Flu, COVID, RSV, Shingles Vaccines: Studies Link All 4 To Better Heart Health

Vaccines against <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/influenza">influenza</a></span>, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (<span>RSV</span>) and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">shingles</a></span> are given to prevent infections. But new research suggests they may also help protect the heart, especially in older adults and people who already have cardiovascular disease.

A recent report published by <em>The <span rel="noindex">Washington Post</span></em> speaks about the evidence of these four vaccines to lower rates of cardiovascular problems. 

The evidence varies across vaccines, and not all studies establish that vaccination directly prevents heart disease. However, experts say preventing severe infections may help reduce the strain viruses place on the cardiovascular system.

“We’re beginning to understand the large number of problems these viruses can cause beyond, say, a cough and fever,” said Paul Heidenreich, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Medicine, in the report.

<h2>Shingles Vaccine Linked To Lower Heart Disease</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/not-puzzles-shingles-vaccine-might-be-your-best-defense-against-dementia-article-151338076" data-type="tilCustomLink">Shingles</a> occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain. Research has also linked shingles to cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

A study published in <em>Nature Medicine</em> in August 2026 compared adults aged 60 and older who received the newer shingles vaccine, <span>Shingrix</span>, with those who received the older vaccine, <span>Zostavax</span>.

Over seven years of follow-up, people who received Shingrix had lower rates of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure than those who received Zostavax. The study did not prove that the vaccine caused the difference, but it added to earlier research on shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health. 

A separate 2025 study of adults aged 50 and older also found an association between receiving two doses of Shingrix and a lower risk of stroke and heart attack.

Noreen Nazir, a cardiologist and co-author of recent <span>American College of Cardiology</span> guidance, described the new findings as “a really great addition to the literature”.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/exclusive-ex-cdc-vaccine-advisor-says-measles-outbreak-bigger-than-reported-slams-rfk-jrs-no-see-evil-approach-article-156363040" data-type="tilCustomLink">EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach</a> 

<h2>Flu Vaccine May Reduce Heart Attack Risk</h2>

Annual <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/flu-activity-rises-early-in-us-uk-and-japan-why-experts-urge-vaccination-before-winter-article-156307089" data-type="tilCustomLink">influenza</a> vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone aged six months and older in the United States. Influenza can cause more than fever, cough and body aches. The infection can trigger inflammation, increase the strain on the heart and worsen cardiovascular disease.

According to <em>The Washington Post, </em>influenza infection was linked with a sixfold increase in hospitalisations for heart attacks during the week after a positive flu test. 

The risk is concerning for people with existing heart disease. Severe influenza can worsen underlying conditions and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications.

William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a co-author of the American College of Cardiology paper, said people hospitalised with an underlying high-risk condition like heart disease are “much more likely to have a cardiovascular event”.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/washington-reports-human-bird-flu-case-after-dairy-cattle-exposure-should-you-be-worried-article-156352801" data-type="tilCustomLink">Washington Reports Human Bird Flu Case After Dairy Cattle Exposure: Should You Be Worried?</a> 

<h2>COVID-19 Vaccines May Help Prevent Heart Complications</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/flu-covid-19-linked-to-90-of-cases-of-rare-life-threatening-brain-disease-in-children-study-article-156362608" data-type="tilCustomLink">COVID-19</a> can affect the cardiovascular system during and after infection. Complications include heart attacks, strokes, abnormal heart rhythms and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

People with pre-existing heart conditions are also at greater risk of severe COVID-19. During the pandemic, people with heart disease were three times as likely to develop severe infection, according to the report. 

Research has also linked COVID-19 infection to longer-term vascular changes. A 2025 study published in the <em><span rel="noindex">European Heart Journal</span></em> found an association between COVID-19 and early vascular ageing, a process in which arteries become stiffer and less elastic.

The report notes that updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the United States for adults aged 65 and older and younger people with at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of complications. 

<h2>RSV Vaccine May Help Protect Older Adults With Heart Disease</h2>

Flu Vaccine Guide: Best Time to Get Vaccinated & Side Effects | Doctors Explain

Respiratory syncytial virus causes a respiratory illness in infants and young children, but it can also cause severe disease in older adults. RSV can also worsen existing cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure. 

A study spanning five <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/rsv-warning-welsh-mum-urges-pregnant-women-to-get-vaccine-after-baby-nearly-dies-article-156341390" data-type="tilCustomLink">RSV</a> seasons found that nearly one-quarter of adults aged 50 and older who were hospitalised with RSV experienced an acute cardiac event, often involving heart failure. Those who had a cardiac emergency had nearly twice the risk of severe outcomes compared to those who did not.

Schaffner said, “There continues to be a high risk of cardiovascular events even after you recover from these viral infections,” he said. 

The <span>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span> recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. 

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Vaccines against influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles are given to prevent infections. But new research suggests they may also help protect the heart, especially in older adults and people who already have cardiovascular disease.A recent report published by The Washington Post speaks about the evidence of these four vaccines to lower rates of cardiovascular problems. The evidence varies across vaccines, and not all studies establish that vaccination directly prevents heart disease. However, experts say preventing severe infections may help reduce the strain viruses place on the cardiovascular system.“We’re beginning to understand the large number of problems these viruses can cause beyond, say, a cough and fever,” said Paul Heidenreich, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Medicine, in the report.Shingles Vaccine Linked To Lower Heart DiseaseShingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain. Research has also linked shingles to cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes.A study published in Nature Medicine in August 2026 compared adults aged 60 and older who received the newer shingles vaccine, Shingrix, with those who received the older vaccine, Zostavax.Over seven years of follow-up, people who received Shingrix had lower rates of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure than those who received Zostavax. The study did not prove that the vaccine caused the difference, but it added to earlier research on shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health. A separate 2025 study of adults aged 50 and older also found an association between receiving two doses of Shingrix and a lower risk of stroke and heart attack.Noreen Nazir, a cardiologist and co-author of recent American College of Cardiology guidance, described the new findings as “a really great addition to the literature”.Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach Flu Vaccine May Reduce Heart Attack RiskAnnual influenza vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone aged six months and older in the United States. Influenza can cause more than fever, cough and body aches. The infection can trigger inflammation, increase the strain on the heart and worsen cardiovascular disease.According to The Washington Post, influenza infection was linked with a sixfold increase in hospitalisations for heart attacks during the week after a positive flu test. The risk is concerning for people with existing heart disease. Severe influenza can worsen underlying conditions and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications.William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a co-author of the American College of Cardiology paper, said people hospitalised with an underlying high-risk condition like heart disease are “much more likely to have a cardiovascular event”.Also read: Washington Reports Human Bird Flu Case After Dairy Cattle Exposure: Should You Be Worried? COVID-19 Vaccines May Help Prevent Heart ComplicationsCOVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system during and after infection. Complications include heart attacks, strokes, abnormal heart rhythms and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.People with pre-existing heart conditions are also at greater risk of severe COVID-19. During the pandemic, people with heart disease were three times as likely to develop severe infection, according to the report. Research has also linked COVID-19 infection to longer-term vascular changes. A 2025 study published in the European Heart Journal found an association between COVID-19 and early vascular ageing, a process in which arteries become stiffer and less elastic.The report notes that updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the United States for adults aged 65 and older and younger people with at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of complications. RSV Vaccine May Help Protect Older Adults With Heart Disease      Respiratory syncytial virus causes a respiratory illness in infants and young children, but it can also cause severe disease in older adults. RSV can also worsen existing cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure. A study spanning five RSV seasons found that nearly one-quarter of adults aged 50 and older who were hospitalised with RSV experienced an acute cardiac event, often involving heart failure. Those who had a cardiac emergency had nearly twice the risk of severe outcomes compared to those who did not.Schaffner said, “There continues to be a high risk of cardiovascular events even after you recover from these viral infections,” he said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. 

flu, covid, rsv, shingles vaccines: studies link all 4 to better heart health

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Flu, COVID, RSV, Shingles Vaccines: Studies Link All 4 To Better Heart Health

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

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Health Conditions A-Z

Flu, COVID, RSV, Shingles Vaccines: Studies Link All 4 To Better Heart Health

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Breast Cancer At 26 Sent This US Woman Into Menopause Before 30: What Is The Hidden Toll Of Treatment