Role of Influenza Vaccination in Cardiovascular Disease: Indian Expert Consensus

Cardiovascular disease represents a significant and growing public health challenge in India, with a notably higher burden of premature deaths compared to global averages. Concurrently, influenza infections contribute substantially to this burden by triggering cardiovascular complications, particularly among high-risk individuals. Despite evidence supporting the cardioprotective benefits of influenza vaccination, its integration into standard cardiology practice remains inconsistent. This consensus aims to deliver a comprehensive and detailed summary of the impact of influenza infections on cardiovascular disease, particularly in the Indian context, and to advocate for the adoption of influenza immunization as a defense against cardiac distress. The findings emphasize the importance of influenza vaccination in reducing the incidence of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and other severe cardiovascular complications. It also discusses expert opinions concerning the role of vaccination against influenza in cardiovascular disease patients, highlighting the necessity of broader implementation in high-risk populations.