Protective effect of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There are many contrasting ideas on the effectiveness of influenza vaccination on CVDs. This study aimed to investigate the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of CVDs. We systematically searched all PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library entries up to November 2019 for studies of influenza vs. the CVDs outcomes. We conducted a random-effects meta‐analysis using the inverse variance method for pooled risk ratios (RR) or odds ratios (OR) and evaluated statistical heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. We identified 17 studies (6 randomized controlled trial [RCT], 5 cohorts, and 6 case–control) with a total of 180,043 cases and 276,898 control participants. The pooled RR of developing CVDs after influenza vaccination in RCT studies was 0.55 (95% CI 0.41–0.73), which was significant (P-value = 0.00). The pooled OR of decreasing CVDs after influenza vaccination in cohort studies was 0.89 (95% CI 0.77–1.04). The pooled OR of developing CVDs after influenza vaccination by pooling case–control studies was 0.70 (95% CI 0.57–0.86, (P-value = 0.00). All of these studies suggest decreased risks of CVDs with influenza vaccination. The current study does support the protective role of influenza vaccination on CVDs events. Health authorities may develop evidence-based preventive strategies to offer influenza vaccination in patients with CVDs.

Association of COVID-19 vaccination with risks of hospitalization due to cardiovascular and other diseases: A study of the UK

“…For example, a recent meta-analysis of both randomized controlled trials and observational studies 7 showed that flu vaccination was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, as well as major CV events compared to controls. Other meta-analysis also reported similar findings of reduced CV and stroke risks 8-10 . Although reduction of flu infection is a possible mechanism, it has also been reported that flu vaccines may promote plaque stabilization via its interaction with the immune system 11,12 .…”

Early risk of acute myocardial infarction following hospitalization for severe influenza infection in the middle-aged population of Hong Kong

“…Influenza vaccination is the primary strategy to reduce the lethality and morbidity of influenza infection [30]. Influenza vaccination may reduce subsequent risk for AMI or cardiovascular disease by 16% to 45% [31][32][33]. A population-based case-control study found that influenza vaccination could reduce the risk for AMI by 20% (adjusted OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.76-0.84, p<0.01) [32].…”

The role of influenza vaccination in the prevention of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases

“…В работе [12] был проведен метаанализ связи между вакцинацией против гриппа и риском сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний на основе 17 исследований (6 рандомизированных контролируемых, 5 когортовых и 6 исследований случай-контроль) с общим количеством 180 043 случая и 276 898 контрольных участников. Вычисленные объединенные коэффициенты риска развития сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний после вакцинации против гриппа в рандомизированных контролируемых исследованиях составили 0,55.…”