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Flu Shot Slashes Heart Attack Risk by 18%
10 Feb
Summary
- Flu vaccination linked to 18% lower heart attack odds.
- Vaccine may reduce inflammation and artery narrowing.
- US flu vaccination rates have seen a significant drop.
A recent review of 15 studies suggests that influenza vaccination is associated with an 18% reduction in the odds of experiencing a heart attack. Researchers theorize that the vaccine helps by alleviating inflammation and narrowing of coronary arteries, key factors in cardiac events.
While this meta-analysis indicates a potential role for influenza vaccination in cardiovascular risk prevention, further research is needed to establish a causal link and understand the long-term effects. The findings emerge as U.S. vaccination rates for respiratory illnesses have reportedly fallen.
By December 2025, only 34% of American adults had received a flu shot, a decrease from the previous year. This trend persists despite evidence suggesting the vaccine may be more effective than initially thought and protect against severe infection. This season has been particularly harsh, leading to millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths.
