Interview: The evidence linking respiratory infections to cardiovascular disease is strong and growing

In this article, Professor Colin Russell, ESWI Chair and Co-Chair of the Steering Group on Prevention of Respiratory Infections, explains how a new Council recommendation on immunisation against respiratory infections could enhance preventative health for people in at-risk groups.

Under-investment, combined with data inconsistencies and limitations, are cited as major challenges for understanding vaccine uptake and increasing immunisation against respiratory infections. A new Council recommendation is presented as an opportunity to address these challenges by encouraging Member States to take action.

In the interview, Colin also highlights the growing evidence linking respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a developing research area that is also the focus of the ESWI Interdisciplinary Disease Collaboration on Respiratory Infections and Non-Communicable Diseases (IDC). As EU Member States work towards developing national cardiovascular health plans by 2027, as required by the EU Safe Hearts Plan, timely publication of a Council recommendation has the opportunity to help shape these national plans to reflect the burden of respiratory infections for cardiovascular health.

Calling for ambitious, concrete targets for vaccine coverage rates, Colin emphasises that such targets must be supported by "practical measures that make immunisation easier to access" such as reminder systems, administering additional vaccines during existing immunisation visits, integrated vaccine delivery in alternative settings, ensuring immunisation tools are available and funded, and removing unnecessary prescription requirements.