Patients with chronic lung conditions, like COPD and asthma, need to take extra steps to manage their condition and ensure the healthiest possible future. One important step that may not always be top of mind is vaccination, which can protect against common preventable diseases that may be very serious for those with respiratory conditions. CDC recommends adults with COPD, asthma, and other lung diseases get an annual flu vaccine, as well as stay up to date with pneumococcal and other recommended vaccines. Additional vaccines may be indicated based on age, job, travel locations, and lifestyle.
COPD and asthma cause airways to swell and become blocked with mucus, making it hard to breathe. Certain vaccine-preventable diseases can make this even worse. Adults with COPD and asthma are at increased risk of complications from influenza, including pneumonia and hospitalization. They are also at higher risk for invasive pneumococcal disease and more likely to develop infections including bacteremia and meningitis. Each year, thousands of adults needlessly suffer, are hospitalized, and even die of diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Despite increased risks, less than half of adults under 65 years with COPD and asthma have received influenza and pneumococcal vaccination (National Health Information Survey 2015).
Find the latest recommended adult immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults.