Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
If you have heart disease, vaccines are important for your overall health1
Influenza, pneumonia & COVID-19 can seriously affect your health
The Adult National Immunisation (NIP) Schedule recommends the following vaccinations for people with chronic diseases.
These vaccines are free to people who fit the risk criteria1
| Vaccine | Who | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza |
|
Annual |
| Pneumococcal |
|
Dose frequency varies from 1-3 doses over 6 years (check with your healthcare professional) |
| COVID-19 |
|
Every 6 months |
|
Every 12 months | |
| Shingles |
|
2 doses |
Other vaccines recommended for people with chronic diseases1:
| Vaccine | Who | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| RSV |
|
1 dose |
Vaccines strengthen your immune system by introducing a harmless part of a virus or bacteria in a safe and controlled manner and training your body to recognise parts of a virus, bacteria and other foreign substances, known as antigens. |
Your immune system responds to the vaccine by producing special proteins called antibodies against the antigen, to protect you from future infection. |
If you are exposed to the same antigen again, your body’s immune system will detect it and quickly produce, antibodies that attach to it and signal your body to destroy it. |
To learn more about vaccines and the immune system, visit: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/immunisation-get-the-facts/the-top-facts-about-immunisation/how-does-immunisation-work
Vaccine safety7,8
Hundreds of millions of vaccines are administered safely each year. All vaccines are rigorously tested and evaluated to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness before they are approved for use. The safety of vaccines is also continually monitored through systems like AusVaxSafety that track any incidence of side effects (adverse events) following immunisation.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause some side effects, like a sore arm or a mild fever, but these are usually minor and transient. In some cases, you may still get a less serious form of the illness, but you are protected from a more chronic case and complications from the disease itself. If you have any concerns about vaccination, speak to your healthcare professional.
Where to get vaccinated (may vary for your local area, state or territory)
The vaccines listed in the NIP are free to those with at-risk criteria. However, check with your healthcare professional or vaccination centre regarding any potential consultation or administration fees. Please note, the RSV vaccine is not included in the NIP.
Tracking your vaccinations
Monitoring and keeping up to date with your vaccinations are crucial for maintaining your overall health and ensuring you are protected against preventable diseases. It’s especially important for people with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, to stay current with their vaccinations.
Ensuring your vaccines are current is easy. You can ask your healthcare professional or vaccination provider for a copy of your Immunisation History Statement or access your statement via Medicare by visiting www.mygov.au and use the checklist provided to know when your vaccinations might be due.
For more information about your chronic condition and the vaccines that are right for you, speak to your healthcare professional or visit www.health.gov.au
This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Hearts4heart does not provide diagnostic or treatment advice for any heart condition. Please seek advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have specific questions or concerns regarding heart disease or any other health issue.
1. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Australian Immunisation Handbook. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook. health.gov.au Accessed 8 February 2025. 2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia 2023. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/news/ 2024/08/12/protecting-yourself-from-the-painful-shingles-virus-may-also-protect-cardiovascular-health Accessed 8 February 2025. 3. Australian Government Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Influenza in Australia. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/2623df7f-794f-4712-94e4-65442323784e/aihw-phe-236_influenza.pdf.aspx Accessed 14 January 2025. 4. Australian Government Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Pneumococcal disease in Australia. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/ 0e959d27-97c9-419c-8636-ecc50dbda3c1/aihw-phe-236_pneumococcal.pdf.aspx Accessed 16 January 2025. 5. Kwong JC, Schwartz KL, Campitelli MA, et al. Acute Myocardial Infarction after Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Infection. N Engl J Med. 2018;378:345-53. 6. Yedlapati SH, Mendu A, Tummala VR, et al. Vaccines and cardiovascular outcomes: lessons learned from influenza epidemics. Euro Heart J Suppl, 2023; Feb 14;25(Suppl A):A17–A24. 7. World Health Organization. Vaccines and immunization: Vaccine safety. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-andanswers/item/vaccines-and-immunization-vaccine-safety? form=MG0AV3. Accessed 8 February 2025. 8. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Vaccine Safety in Australia. AusVaxSummary Report 2023. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/ resources/publications/vaccine-safety-in-australia-ausvaxsafety-summary-report-2023?language=en. Accessed 8 February 2025. 9. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. How does immunisation work? Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/immunisation-get-the-facts/the-topfacts-about-immunisation/how-does-immunisation-work Accessed 8 February 2025.
