Breaking: new research Links Viral Infections to Increased Cardiovascular Risk, Vaccination Urged
Paris, November 2025 - A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a meaningful connection between both acute and chronic viral infections and an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and stroke. The study confirms associations with acute respiratory infections like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, as well as chronic viral infections including HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles. Researchers emphasize that preventative measures, including vaccination, can reduce the likelihood of these cardiovascular events, advocating for improved vaccination coverage, especially among seniors.
This finding is among the key takeaways from Bulletin N°12, released this month by a leading group of French vaccination experts including Robert Cohen, Joël Gaudelus, François Vie le Sage, Isabelle Hau, Marie-Aliette Dommergues, Pierre Bakhache, Pierre Bégué, Véronique Dufour, Hervé Haas, Cécile Janssen, Maeva Lefebvre, Georges Thiebault, Franck thollot, Catherine Weil-Olivier, Odile Launay, and didier Pinquier.
The bulletin also highlights the recent marketing authorization granted by the European Medicines Agency for a monovalent pertussis vaccine containing two genetically modified antigens (pertussis toxin and FHA). This new vaccine is expected to be a significant advancement in vaccination strategies, particularly for pregnant women.
Guidance for Immunocompromised Children:
The bulletin addresses a specific clinical question regarding a three-year-old epileptic child who has received only one dose of MMR vaccine and is scheduled to begin a course of high-dose corticosteroids. Experts advise prioritizing completion of vaccinations before initiating immunosuppressive treatment.
“It is prudent to check and supplement protection against preventable diseases by live vaccines avant to initiate treatment with high doses of corticosteroids or any other immunosuppressant,” the bulletin states. In this case, administering a second dose of MMR now is recommended to ensure optimal protection, with a postponement of the corticosteroid treatment by at least three, and preferably four, weeks.
If the child has never had chickenpox, a dose of the chickenpox vaccine should be administered concurrently with the second MMR dose. The bulletin clarifies that neither the second MMR dose nor the chickenpox vaccine are known to trigger epileptic seizures.
Guidance on the timing of the second chickenpox dose depends on the duration of corticosteroid treatment. For short-term treatment (a few months), the second dose can be given one to three months after treatment ends. Many countries administer the second dose between five and six years of age,noting that even a single dose protects against 100% of serious forms and approximately 85% of moderate forms. For long-term or lifelong treatment, the second dose is recommended one month after the first. the bulletin also advises considering potential need for yellow fever vaccination, contingent on lifestyle and travel plans, which is not possible during immunosuppressive treatment.
Further Information:
The slideshow from the 28th Pediatric Vaccinology Day is available for review at https://www.infovac.fr/actualites/diapos-de-la-28eme-jpipa/.
