This is the current release of the guideline.

Definitions for the weight of the evidence (Class I-III and Level A-C) can be found at the end of the "Major Recommendations" field.

Seasonal influenza represents a major preventable threat to the health of persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated that vaccination against influenza is associated with significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular death and nonfatal events. Vaccination is currently recommended for persons with diabetes, a condition common to patients with CVD. On the basis of this evidence, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend inactivated influenza vaccination as a component of secondary prevention for persons with coronary disease and other atherosclerotic vascular conditions (Class I, Level B). This level of recommendation is based on the judgment that influenza vaccination should be administered to all persons with CVD (unless they have a contraindication to receiving the vaccine) and on evidence from a single randomized clinical trial and several nonrandomized population cohort studies.

Currently, below-target vaccination rates and disparities in vaccination coverage across different ethnic groups represent missed opportunities to maximize the preventive benefits of influenza vaccination. Providers who care for patients with CVD can increase influenza vaccination coverage among their patients by stocking the vaccine and promoting annual vaccination immunization with strong recommendations and standing orders.

Definitions:

Classification of Recommendations

Class I Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that a given procedure/therapy is beneficial, useful, and effective.

Class II Conditions for which there is conflicting evidence and/or a divergence of opinion about the usefulness/efficacy of performing the procedure/therapy.

Class IIa Weight of evidence/opinion is in favor of usefulness/efficacy.

Class IIb Usefulness/efficacy is less well established by evidence/opinion.

Class III Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that a procedure/therapy is not useful or effective and in some cases may be harmful.

Level of Evidence

Level of Evidence A Data derived from multiple randomized clinical trials or meta-analyses.

Level of Evidence B Data derived from a single randomized trial or nonrandomized studies.

Level of Evidence C Only consensus opinion of experts, case studies, or standard-of-care.

None provided

The type of supporting evidence is identified and graded for each recommendation (see "Major Recommendations").

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

2006 Oct 3

American College of Cardiology Foundation - Medical Specialty Society
American Heart Association - Professional Association

American Heart Association

Writing Group

Primary Authors: Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP; Kathryn Taubert, PhD, FAHA; Andrea L. Benin, MD; David W. Brown, MSPH, MSc; George A. Mensah, MD, FAHA, FACC; Larry M. Baddour, MD; Sandra Dunbar, RN, DSN, FAHA; Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, FAHA, FACC

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology make every effort to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of an outside relationship or a personal, professional, or business interest of a member of the writing panel. Specifically, all members of the writing group are required to complete and submit a Disclosure Questionnaire showing all such relationships that might be perceived as real or potential conflicts of interest.

Writing Group Disclosures

This table represents the relationships of writing group members that may be perceived as actual or reasonably perceived conflicts of interest as reported on the Disclosure Questionnaire, which all members of the writing group are required to complete and submit.

This is the current release of the guideline.

None available

This summary was completed by ECRI on March 13, 2007. The information was verified by the guideline developer on April 20, 2007.