People with asthma should consider two main vaccines to protect their respiratory health: the influenza (flu) vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine. The specific recommendations for these vaccines depend on the severity of your asthma and your age.
Recommended Vaccines for Asthma Patients
Here's a breakdown of the vaccines recommended for individuals with asthma:
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine | Every year for all people with asthma. |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine | Recommended for people with severe asthma and for anyone with asthma over the age of 65 years. |
Why are these vaccines important for asthma patients?
- Flu Vaccine: Asthma can make you more susceptible to complications from the flu. The flu vaccine can help prevent influenza, thus reducing the risk of asthma exacerbations.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: This vaccine protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection. People with severe asthma or those over 65 are at higher risk for pneumococcal infections.
Understanding the Recommendations:
According to available references:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine: It is recommended that all people with asthma receive this vaccine every year.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for people with severe asthma and for anyone with asthma over the age of 65 years.
