Vaccines are an important part of staying healthy and preventing illness. They are safe and effective and they help save lives. Being vaccinated doesn’t just protect you – it can prevent the disease from spreading to other people around you.
Vaccines train the immune system to defend itself from a disease-causing virus or bacteria without the dangers of getting the actual disease. The immune response to a vaccine might cause tiredness and discomfort for a day or two, but the resulting protection can last a long time and prevent serious disease.
Living with heart disease can make you more vulnerable to viral or bacterial illnesses, and can increase the risk of complications from these infections. Making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations is an important part of staying well.
Australian guidelines recommend that people living with heart disease are vaccinated against a range of illnesses.
People living with heart disease are at higher risk of becoming very unwell with the flu compared with someone without heart disease.
Although you can get the flu at any time of year, it is more common in winter. The flu vaccine changes each year and is tailored to the seasonal flu strains circulating – that’s why you need a new one each flu season.
To look after your heart, get the flu vaccine each year in April or May, before the flu season starts to peak in June. Book in with your doctor or pharmacist.
Certain groups of people are eligible to receive a free flu shot each year under the National Immunisation Program, including:
The risk of severe complications from COVID-19 is much higher for people with heart disease. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the illness, but it can reduce the risk of severe illness, needing to go to hospital and death.
Depending on your age and any other medical conditions, your doctor may recommend a COVID-19 vaccine every 6-12 months. Chat to them for specific advice about what is best for you.
Pneumococcal disease is infection with a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the tissues lining the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. People living with heart disease are at greater risk of these conditions. Australian guidelines recommend that people with heart disease consider getting the pneumococcal vaccine. Speak to your doctor for more information.
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Last updated14 June 2024