If you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung disease, staying up to date with recommended vaccines is one of the best ways to help protect your health.
Lung disease, including asthma and COPD, can cause the airways in the lungs to swell and become blocked with mucus, which can make it hard to breathe. Certain vaccine-preventable diseases can also increase swelling of lungs and airways, putting you at greater risk for pneumonia and other serious respiratory diseases.
People with chronic lung disease, like COPD or asthma, are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from respiratory diseases, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, or pneumonia. Even when chronic lung disease is well managed, complications of vaccine-preventable diseases can include worsening of symptoms, progressive loss of lung functioning, hospitalization, and even death.
Getting vaccinated is safe for people who are taking prescription medication to control asthma or COPD, and is as important to overall health as not smoking.
What Vaccines Do People with Lung Disease Need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for people with lung disease:
COVID-19
Everyone age 6 months and older should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
Multiple studies show that older adults and those with certain medical conditions, including chronic lung disease, are at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. For adults age 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, CDC recommends a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, to be given 6 months after the first dose. And immunocompromised individuals should discuss the potential benefits of additional doses with a trusted healthcare professional.
Flu (Influenza)
Everyone age 6 months and older should get vaccinated against flu every year.
For people with chronic lung disease, getting an annual flu vaccine is just as important to your health as exercising, not smoking, taking medication as prescribed, and avoiding second-hand smoke and pollution. Among hospitalized adults during recent US flu seasons, at least:
- 30% had chronic lung disease
- 20% had asthma
Read more about flu in people with lung disease
Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can attack different parts of the body and can cause pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection), and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
People with lung disease are at increased risk of hospitalization and even death from complications of pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for:
- All children younger than age 5 years
- All adults age 50 years and older
- Individuals with certain chronic health conditions or other risk factors, including lung disease
Read more about pneumococcal disease in people with chronic health conditions
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. Although it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to worsening of asthma, COPD, and other chronic conditions.
Among adults age 60 years and older hospitalized with RSV, COPD is one of the most common underlying medical conditions reported.
RSV vaccination is recommended for all adults age 75 years and older, adults age 60-74 years who have certain risk factors including chronic lung disease, and pregnant women (to protect their infants). For infants born to mothers who did not get an RSV vaccine while pregnant, a monoclonal antibody is recommended for the baby.
If you have lung disease, talk with a healthcare professional about getting vaccinated against RSV.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
Everyone age 2 months and older should be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Most infants receive a combined vaccine called DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis). Adults, older children, and adolescents should receive a booster of the combination vaccine, Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) or Td (tetanus-diphtheria) Td, every 10 years.
These vaccines protect against 3 potentially serious diseases:
- Tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms, leading to “locking” of the jaw, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow. In severe cases, tetanus infections can lead to death.
- Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and sometimes death
- Pertussis (whooping cough) can cause coughing spells that are so severe that it can be hard to breathe, sleep, or eat
Other Vaccines You May Need
Talk with a healthcare professional about other vaccines you may need depending on your age and other factors:
- Hepatitis B: recommended for all adults age 18-59 years, and for some adults age 60 years and older with known risk factors
- HPV (human papillomavirus): recommended for some adults age 27-45 years
- Shingles (herpes zoster): recommended for all adults age 50 years and older
Getting Vaccinated
Talk with a trusted healthcare professional about recommended vaccines. If your healthcare professional does not offer the vaccines you need, ask for a referral to ensure you get all of the vaccines recommended for you.
Updated October 2024
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Lung Association