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People with Asthma are at a higher risk of developing complications from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This leads to respiratory infections which are infections of the respiratory system.  Respiratory infections can affect your throat, sinuses, lungs or airways. They cause symptoms such as runny nose, fever, or sore throat. They are common for people of all ages, however they can also cause asthma-like symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath. Respiratory infections can lead to someone’s asthma becoming worse.  

Asthma Canada has developed resources outlining everything you need to know about vaccine-preventable diseases such as COVID-19, Pneumonia, Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Herpes Zoster (Shingles).  

Influenza (flu)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

COVID-19

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Pneumonia

Asthma Canada’s Vaccine Hub has been made possible through the Immunization Partnership Fund project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

WATCH: Vaccines in Respiratory Health

Dr. Samir Gupta, Respirologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, delivered an insightful session on the recommended vaccines for people living with asthma while also addressing common myths and misinformation about vaccines.

Facts About Asthma & Vaccines

  • For those living with asthma and others in the respiratory disease community, vaccination plays a vital role in disease management.
  • Canadians with chronic lung diseases like asthma are at higher risk of serious illness and complications from preventable illnesses, which is why vaccination awareness is of vital importance to this community.
  • Within Canada, vaccine uptake continues to be a significant area of concern, especially when it comes to high-risk populations.
Little girl receiving vaccine from doctor
Asthma Control Toolkit

Lung Vaccination Working Group 

The Lung Vaccination Working Group, formed by Asthma Canada in 2018, brings together a coalition of leading national healthcare organizations dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vaccination. Focused on increasing immunization rates among adults with respiratory conditions, this group includes experts and representatives from organizations specializing in respiratory care, public health, immunization, and lung disease management. Through their combined efforts, they advocate for the vital role vaccines play in protecting respiratory health across Canada.

Asthma Canada’s FREE Asthma & Allergy HelpLine

If you have questions on vaccines and asthma, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.

Jaqueline Murdoch: Asthma and Vaccine Champion

Jaqueline Murdoch, 75, a retired IT manager and personal trainer, is a passionate advocate for vaccination, shaped by a lifetime of health challenges and early experiences with preventable diseases. Diagnosed with asthma in 2012, she manages her condition with a rigorous health routine and proactive vaccination. Jaqueline received all available COVID-19 doses, annual flu shots, and vaccines for shingles and pneumonia, seeing immunization as essential to reducing severe illness. Having witnessed the impact of diseases like polio and shingles, she urges others to “look at the science” and stay informed, firmly believing that vaccines are key to a long, healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccination in People with Chronic Lung Conditions 

I'm worried/anxious about getting vaccinated. What should I do?

Some people are afraid or anxious about needle injections. Planning ahead of vaccination day can help ease your anxiety. The CARD™ system is a tool developed by experts and based on science that can help you improve your vaccination experience. Below are some tips that can help you plan for your vaccination:

  • Try to eat something before your vaccination and afterwards.
  • You will receive the vaccine in your upper arm. Wear short sleeves or something easy to pull up so that the upper arm can be reached easily.
  • Bring any supplies you need, such as a facemask and something to distract you.
  • Do not tense your arm – keep it loose or jiggly.
  • If you feel faint or get dizzy during needles, you can squeeze your knees together or ask to lie down.
  • Have acetaminophen available in case you experience any side effects after, but there is no need to take it prior to the vaccine. Let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any side effects that worry you.
  • Keep a record of the vaccine you received.
  • To learn more about the CARD™ system, visit https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/card
What are the common side effects of vaccines?

 

Just like any medication, vaccines can cause some reactions.

Some people can experience mild reactions from vaccines, such as:

  • pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • mild fever after the vaccination

Depending on the vaccine received, some people may also experience a mild rash, fatigue and aches. All of these are common reactions and resolve in a few days. A reaction is an excellent sign that your immune system has properly responded to the vaccine. It means it is working.

Severe reactions, such as an allergic reaction to a vaccine, are rare. If you or your child has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.

Source: Immunize Canada

What if I have an allergy to vaccine ingredients?

If you are concerned about the ingredients within vaccines, we encourage you to talk to your doctor/and or immunologist prior to getting a vaccine. They can answer any questions you may have and determine the safest way for you to get vaccinated.

View more Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about allergies and the COVID vaccine here: CSACI: COVID19 Vaccines FAQ

Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

It is safe for people with chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary hypertension to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Even though COVID-19 vaccines are being developed more quickly than usual, vaccine safety is still a top priority in all phases of vaccine development, approval and post-approval monitoring. While steps are being streamlined or overlapped, none of them are being skipped.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety, visit COVID-19: Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Source: Immunize Canada

Will receiving an influenza, pneumococcal or COVID-19 vaccine impact the medications I’m taking to manage my lung condition?

 

No.

Can I receive both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine?

 

Yes! If you are living with a lung condition, it is recommended that you receive your annual influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccine. Getting your annual flu shot is an important way to help protect yourself, your family and high-risk groups in your community against seasonal flu. It will also help reduce the burden on Canada’s healthcare system during this unprecedented time. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is also an important way to protect yourself against serious disease.

Source: Immunize Canada

I’m on biologic therapy. Can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

 

It is safe for people with asthma on biologic therapy to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Canadian Thoracic Society and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommend that:

  • The COVID-19 vaccine should not be administered on the same day as a biologic therapy for asthma where possible.
  • Patients with asthma should ideally receive a COVID vaccine 72 hours apart from their regular biologic, to make it easier to tell what injection may have caused a problem if the patient has a reaction.
  • Individuals with a history of reaction to injectable medications, or a previous COVID-19 vaccine must advise the staff at the vaccination site.

Learn more here: https://cts-sct.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Final_Biologic-Therapy_COVID-19-Info-Sheet_EN.pdf

Source: Canadian Thoracic Society