Pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in vaccination-induced cardioprotection include inhibition of oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake by molecular mimicry from pneumococcal vaccination-induced antibodiy production and the attenuation of chronic inflammation, a pro-atherogenic process, in influenza vaccination. TNF-a = tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1B = interleukin 1-beta, LDL = low-density lipoprotein, MMP = matrix metalloproteinases, NO = nitric oxide.