Vaccines may cut risk of heart disease

European policymakers are increasingly looking at vaccination against respiratory infections as a strategy to lower the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The European Commission’s “EU Safe Hearts Plan” recognises the preventative value of immunisation in reducing heart disease, yet the first draft of a proposed EU cardiovascular diseases strategy currently lacks this focus.

The beginning of 2026 brought significant news regarding immunisation policies at the European level. For example, measles “re-established” itself in six European countries, prompting concern among experts at its return to nations which had previously eliminated the disease. More positively, the European Commission is investing €225 million in the development of next-generation influenza vaccines that offer protection against a wider range of variants, can be quickly adapted if a pandemic strain emerges and are easier to administer. Furthermore, the European Medicines Agency recently recommended granting marketing authorisation for the first combined vaccine in the European Union to protect people aged 50 years and older against both seasonal influenza and COVID-19.

Currently, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are discussing the European Parliament SANT Committee’s draft report on an EU cardiovascular diseases strategy (2025/2132(INI)). The first version of this report was published on 19 January 2026. While the document addresses heart health broadly, it does not acknowledge the significant preventive role of vaccination against respiratory infections in reducing cardiovascular disease. This omission is not in line with the approach adopted by the European Commission in the EU Safe Hearts Plan, which recognises the value of vaccination against respiratory infections in preventing CVD and proposes a flagship initiative in the form of a Council Recommendation on this subject.

Experts warn that failing to link respiratory health strategies with cardiovascular protection could weaken overall public health outcomes. A recent study highlights that infections often trigger cardiovascular events in vulnerable populations. Without explicit policy language, funding and focus may remain fragmented across different disease areas rather than addressing the shared risk factors that lead to hospitalization and death.

Stakeholder push for a unified framework

An institutional policy dialogue event, promoted by Active Citizenship Network at the EU Parliament in Brussels on 18 March and titled “Council recommendation on the value of immunisation against respiratory infections: a step towards an EU Respiratory Health Plan?“, is therefore particularly timely given that the European Parliament is currently analysing and discussing the document, which will be put to a vote in plenary in mid-June.

It is hoped that MEPs will pay attention to the issues emphasised by various stakeholders, including scientific societies, academia, professional associations, patient associations, civil society organisations and the private sector, at this time. In particular, the Steering Group on Prevention of Respiratory Infections (of which Active Citizenship Network is a member) has put forward amendments in line with its Manifesto. Meanwhile, the “EU Working Group on Respiratory Care”, promoted by Active Citizenship Network and the RPP Group, has launched a Call to Action to ensure that the specific needs of respiratory health are fully addressed and embedded in an upgraded, unified European framework.

Hosted by Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP Group) and supported by the MEPs Interest Group, “European Patients’ Rights & Cross-border Healthcare”, this event will bring together experts and EU institution representatives interested in the Council Recommendation on the value of immunisation against respiratory infections. The initiative is part of the EU project “Advancing Respiratory Care at the EU Level“, which has been made possible thanks to the unconditional support of Pfizer.

To attend in person, please register here. Note that registration is free but mandatory and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration may close at any time if the maximum capacity is reached.