Mr Vaz has adopted a low profile since he collapsed during a television interview in March.
But on Tuesday he made a short walkabout in Leicester city centre - accompanied by e-commerce minister Patricia Hewitt.
He declined to answer questions about investigations into his financial affairs and alleged links with the Hinduja brothers.
Instead, he was followed by about 30 banner-waving supporters before he attended a local constituency meeting.
A reporter asked him whether he thought he would prove to be an embarrassment to Labour at the general election.
Mr Vaz replied: "I have come to see the people of Leicester - you are a reporter, you are not the people of Leicester."
Mr Vaz was told by doctors to take an eight-week break from his ministerial duties after collapsing in March.
Foreign Secretary Robin Cook later accused journalists of harassing the minister, saying he had been pursued "mercilessly".