• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever after the vaccination
• Mild rash
• Fatigue
• Aches

All of these are common reactions and resolve in a few days. Mild side effects are a normal sign that your immune system is responding as expected.

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.

If you have concerns about vaccine ingredients, or a history of allergies, talk to your doctor or an immunologist. They can answer any questions you may have and determine the safest way for you to get vaccinated.

Vaccines are safe to take with most asthma medications, including inhalers and short courses of oral steroids. However, long-term or high-dose steroid use can weaken the immune response, which may mean delaying vaccination in some cases. If you’re on biologics, your healthcare provider may recommend spacing the COVID-19 vaccine and your biologic treatment by about 72 hours. It’s important not to stop any asthma medications before or after vaccination unless advised by your doctor. Since interactions and side effects can vary, always let your healthcare provider or pharmacist know what medications you’re taking so they can provide the best guidance.

Some people might have problems getting vaccines and care for their asthma. If you have a family doctor or nurses, they can help answer your questions. You can also contact your local public health unit to learn about programs that can help you get vaccines and good care. Pharmacists across Canada can also give you many vaccines, which can be an easy option if you don’t have a family doctor. If you are looking to get more information about asthma and vaccines and don’t have access to a doctor or a nurse, you can call Asthma Canada’s helpline and talk to a Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE), they are trained to help you.

Contact our CREs by calling 1-866-787-4050 or emailing info@asthma.ca

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are illnesses caused by bacteria or viruses that can be prevented with vaccines. Some common VPDs that can affect people with asthma are the flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), COVID-19, shingles, and pneumonia.

Getting vaccines is an important part of managing asthma. People with asthma have a higher chance of getting very sick from these diseases. That’s because during an asthma attack, the airways in your lungs get tight, swollen, and filled with mucus. Some of these diseases can cause the same problems, which can make asthma worse and lead to serious health issues.

Before getting a vaccine, you should always consult with a health care professional. If you do decide to get your vaccines to protect yourself against influenza the best time would be between early September and late October. This helps keep you safe during the fall and winter, when more people get sick with breathing viruses. Other vaccines, such as COVID-19, boosters, or pneumococcal, can be given year-round if recommended.

Vaccines are available at family doctor’s offices, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some community health centers.

Yes, most vaccines are safe and are recommended for people to get. Your doctor or healthcare provider can help you choose the right vaccines and when they should be given. They will look at your health, how serious your asthma is, what medicines you take, and if you have any other health problems. This helps you make the best choice for your health.

Many health clinics have staff who speak different languages and can help you in the language you’re most comfortable with. They may also have information written in different languages to help you understand more clearly.