Why Vaccines Matter When You Have Chronic Lung Disease

For individuals with chronic lung disease, any respiratory infection can turn into a severe illness. Illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia can make it harder to breathe by increasing mucus production, causing an exacerbation of existing long-term lung disease and worsening lung disease symptoms. For older adults, this is compounded because the immune system weakens naturally as we age, making it harder to fight off infections. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is crucial, especially for those with chronic lung disease, as complications can lead to worsening lung function, decreased quality of life, hospitalization and even death. 

Despite proven effectiveness and safety of vaccines, misinformation, distrust and lack of awareness can significantly impact whether an individual chooses to get vaccinated. To help address common questions about vaccines and empower individuals to make informed decisions, we spoke with Dr. Justin R. Ortiz from University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Q: Why are vaccines important for people with chronic lung disease?

Dr. Ortiz: As a pulmonologist, I’ve cared for many people living with chronic lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma. These conditions make the airways more vulnerable to infection and inflammation which puts patients at much higher risk of serious complications from vaccine-preventable respiratory infections like COVID-19, RSV and flu. Vaccination is therefore a cornerstone of preventive care. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps people with chronic lung disease avoid severe illness, reduce hospitalizations and maintain better overall lung health.

Q: Do people around someone with chronic lung disease also need to be vaccinated?

Dr. Ortiz: Absolutely. Everyone who spends time with someone at high risk, such as family members, caregivers, and friends, should keep their own vaccinations up to date. Doing so lowers the chances of transmitting an infection to a vulnerable person. This includes routine vaccines for children and adults, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines when they are available. By lowering the chances of bringing infection into the home, you can help protect the person with chronic lung disease.

Q: How does someone with chronic lung disease protect themselves when someone in their household is sick?

Dr. Ortiz: When a household member develops a respiratory infection, germs can spread quickly, especially to caregivers. Here are key steps to stay protected:

• Seek prompt medical care for the sick person and let their healthcare provider know that the caregiver has a chronic lung condition. Laboratory testing can identify viruses and guide preventive steps.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for both the patient and the caregiver.
• Limit exposure when possible until the sick person’s symptoms are improved and any fever has resolved.
• Practice good hand hygiene like washing hands often or using alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Improve air quality by opening windows for fresh air, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier and moving activities outdoors when weather permits.
• Use masks for added protection like a surgical mask for the sick person and, ideally, an N95 respirator for the caregiver.

Visit the CDC’s prevention recommendations for more information. 

Q: How do vaccines work to build immunity without causing illness?

Dr. Ortiz: Vaccines work by safely training the immune system to recognize and fight a germ without making you sick. They contain either a killed or weakened version of the germ, or just a piece of it such as a protein or a blueprint that helps your body make the protein for a short time. This harmless exposure alerts the immune system to produce protective antibodies and activate immune cells. Later, if you are exposed to the real germ, your immune system remembers how to respond quickly and strongly, which greatly reduces the chance of serious illness.

Q: What is community immunity and what is the benefit?

Dr. Ortiz: When enough people in a community are protected against a vaccine-preventable disease, it becomes far less likely that the infection will spread. This is often called community immunity or herd immunity. Achieving it requires high vaccine coverage to interrupt transmission.

Community immunity helps to protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated, like our youngest infants who cannot receive a flu vaccine and rely on the people around them to help protect them from the flu. Community immunity also helps to protect individuals who are at increased risk, like those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease and older adults.

Q: What are common side effects from getting vaccinated?

Dr. Ortiz: Like all medicines, vaccines have benefits and risks, and no vaccine prevents illness every time. Still, for people with chronic lung disease, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Side effects are normally mild and short-lived. They include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, occasionally low-grade fever or fatigue. 

Q: Where can you go to receive vaccinations?

Q: Can you receive multiple vaccines at the same time?

Dr. Ortiz: Usually, yes. Most respiratory vaccines can be given at the same visit, which is convenient for staying current. For instance, many people (including me) get the COVID-19 and flu shots in a single appointment, one in each arm. Before vaccinating, your healthcare provider will review your health and the specific vaccines to be sure there are no special circumstances that require spacing them apart.

Q: Do certain medications make it dangerous to get vaccinated?

Dr. Ortiz: There are no absolute medication contraindications, but some therapies require extra consideration. Always share your current medication list with the provider giving the vaccine so they can time doses appropriately and ensure the vaccine will be both safe and effective. 

Learn more about how you can protect yourself and others from vaccine-preventable diseases at Lung.org/vaccines.

Educational resources developed with support from Sanofi. 

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