Immunisations

Caring for yourself when you have heart failure is mainly about staying as well and as healthy as possible. One way to stay well is to minimise the risk of getting respiratory infections like influenza (flu) or pneumonia, as respiratory problems can make heart failure worse.

Safe vaccines that can provide immunity against flu and pneumonia are available. You should discuss having these vaccines with your nurse or doctor who will be able to advise you in more detail about them.

When travelling, your travel agent will advise you on the immunisations or medications, for example malaria tablets, that may be required for your destination.

If you take anticoagulant medicines your doctor or nurse may advise a different vaccination programme, which may need to be started earlier than the usual vaccination schedule.