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Flu shots: Especially important if you have heart disease

When should I get a flu shot?

If you have heart disease, get the flu shot each fall when it becomes available, usually late September through November. However, if flu shots are still available and you haven't yet received a vaccination, you'd still benefit from getting a flu shot in January or later. That's because the flu season doesn't typically peak until January, February or March.

Do I have to get a flu shot from my cardiologist?

You don't have to get your flu shot from your cardiologist. However, the American Heart Association recommends that cardiologists have the flu shot available at their clinics. The flu shot is also available through primary care doctors, some specialists, public health departments, and some pharmacies. It's best to call ahead to determine if vaccine is available and when. Some places may require an appointment.

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References
  1. Questions and answers: Seasonal flu shot. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm. Accessed June 30, 2010.
  2. Key facts about seasonal influenza (flu). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed June 30, 2010.
  3. Estimating deaths from seasonal influenza in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm. Accessed June 30, 2010.
  4. Davis MM, et al. Influenza vaccination as secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease: A science advisory from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology. Circulation. 2006;114:1549.
  5. Mansur AP, et al. Influenza vaccination and cardiovascular mortality in women and men aged 60 years in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. 2010;In press. Accessed June 30, 2010.
  6. deDiego C, et al. Effects of annual influenza vaccination on winter mortality in elderly people with chronic heart disease. European Heart Journal. 2009;30:209.
HB00086 Sept. 3, 2010

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