Vaccines for People with Asthma

The CDC advises that people with asthma get certain vaccines. Vaccines help the immune system protect against bacteria or viruses to prevent infection.

Flu shot

The flu (influenza) is an infection caused by a virus. The virus spreads from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Flu symptoms may include:

• Sudden high fever

• Chills

• Severe tiredness (fatigue)

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Dry cough

• Headache

• Vomiting and diarrhea in some people

But people with asthma who catch the flu may get very sick. This sometimes leads to pneumonia. In some cases, you may need a hospital stay. You're at higher risk of serious complications. So contact your healthcare provider if you have any flu symptoms.

If you have asthma you should get a yearly flu shot. Keep in mind that the flu shot will help protect you from getting the flu. But it won't reduce asthma flare-ups from other viruses during flu season.

The flu vaccine doesn't provide full protection. It makes it less likely that you will catch the flu for about the next 6 months. You need a new flu shot each year.

The best time to get the flu shot is when it becomes available in your community. This will help make sure that you are protected before flu season starts. It helps if the people you live with get flu shots, too. Don’t get the nasal spray vaccine. It could trigger an asthma attack.

Here are some other tips to help you stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often.

• Stay away from people who are sick.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Pneumonia shot

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial illness. It can cause serious or even deadly infections of the:

• Lungs (pneumonia)

• Blood (bacteremia)

• Covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

There are 2 types of vaccines that can help prevent pneumococcal disease. The vaccine that is right for you depends on your age and risk factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for you and when you should get it.

The pneumococcal vaccine can't prevent all cases. But it can help protect you from the worst infections.

I had my flu shot on ______________ (date) and I had my pneumonia shot on ______________ (date).