Sarah Bennett
People with asthma are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and WHO recommend that people with asthma get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. The Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines are available in the United States, with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna also offering booster doses for adults. The Moderna vaccine is only approved for adults 18 years of age and older. People with asthma who use inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids can get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, those on oral corticosteroids may need to consult their doctor as more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of the vaccine in these cases. People with asthma are also advised to get the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine, as they are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People with asthma eligible for COVID-19 vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma using inhaled corticosteroids eligible for COVID-19 vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma using oral corticosteroids eligible for COVID-19 vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma using biologics eligible for COVID-19 vaccine | Yes, with 1-7 day waiting period between injections |
| People with asthma eligible for flu vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma eligible for pneumococcal vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma eligible for shingles vaccine | Yes |
| People with asthma eligible for whooping cough vaccine | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines for people with asthma
People with asthma are advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people, including those with asthma, get vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines can help protect people with asthma from getting a respiratory infection and developing severe illness from SARS-CoV-2.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), people with asthma who use inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids can get the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no evidence that taking low or moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma weakens the immune system or impacts the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of the vaccine for people taking oral corticosteroids, as there is a potential for a reduced immune response.
People with asthma who are taking biologic medications can also get the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is recommended that they wait one to seven days between injections. It is important for people with asthma to keep taking their medications as prescribed before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
While the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh any possible risks of worsening asthma symptoms, some people have reported their asthma symptoms flaring up after vaccination. It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence that people with asthma are at an increased risk of vaccine side effects. However, anyone with concerns about getting vaccinated should consult their doctor.
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Flu vaccine
If you have asthma, it is highly recommended that you get a flu vaccine. People with asthma are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications, even if their asthma is mild or their symptoms are well-controlled by medication. The flu can cause inflammation of the airways and lungs, triggering asthma attacks and worsening asthma symptoms. It can also lead to pneumonia and other acute respiratory diseases.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year, especially those at high risk of flu complications, including people with asthma. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against getting sick with the flu and passing it on to others. It is available at doctor's offices, community clinics, pharmacies, and some supermarkets.
It is preferable to get the flu vaccine in September or October when the flu season typically begins, but getting vaccinated at any time is better than not getting vaccinated at all. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection after receiving the dose.
Injectable flu vaccines, or flu shots, are approved for people with asthma and have a long-established safety record in this population. However, people with asthma should generally avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV).
While the flu vaccine is critical for people with asthma, it is important to note that it may cause wheezing and adversely affect pulmonary function in some individuals. Additionally, it is recommended that people with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines consult their healthcare providers before getting vaccinated.
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Pneumococcal vaccine
People with asthma are advised to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to adults and children aged six months and older, including those with asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), people with asthma who use inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, or biologics for asthma can get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, for those taking biologics, it is recommended to wait one to seven days between injections.
People with asthma should keep their condition under control by following their Asthma Action Plan and taking their medications as prescribed. Getting vaccinated can help decrease the risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. The benefits of the vaccine outweigh any potential worsening of asthma symptoms. People with moderate, severe, or unmanaged asthma are more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than those without asthma.
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, people with asthma may also consider getting the flu vaccine. The flu virus can inflame airways and trigger asthma attacks. The CDC recommends that individuals aged six months and older receive the flu vaccine to protect against the flu and prevent its spread. The flu vaccine typically takes about two weeks to provide protection after receiving the dose.
Furthermore, people with asthma are at higher risk for getting whooping cough and developing severe asthma symptoms if they contract it. Adults who have never had a whooping cough vaccine or expectant mothers should consider getting vaccinated. Whooping cough vaccines are typically given to infants and children in their first year of life, with boosters administered between 15 and 18 months and between four and six years of age.
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Shingles vaccine
If you have asthma, you can get vaccinated against COVID-19. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) states that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people with asthma who use inhaled or oral corticosteroids. The CDC recommends that people with asthma get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Now, regarding the Shingles vaccine, the CDC recommends two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), or Shingrix, for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and related complications. Shingles is a painful rash illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which can remain dormant in the body after a person recovers from chickenpox. It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
Shingles vaccination is highly effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication from shingles, which can cause long-term nerve pain that may last for months or years. The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix for adults aged 50 years and older with healthy immune systems, as well as for adults 19 years and older with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk of complications.
The vaccine is given as a two-dose series, typically administered 2-6 months apart. However, for immunodeficient or immunosuppressed individuals, the second dose can be given as soon as one month after the first. There is no maximum age for receiving Shingrix, and it is recommended even for those who have had shingles in the past. It is important to ensure that the shingles rash has resolved before receiving the vaccine.
Shingrix is available from healthcare providers, doctors, and pharmacies. Starting in 2023, people with Medicare Part D coverage will have no out-of-pocket expenses for the vaccine. The cost of the vaccine may be covered by Medicaid or private health insurance plans, so it is recommended to contact your insurer to determine coverage.
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Whooping cough vaccine
People with asthma are at a higher risk of contracting whooping cough and developing severe symptoms. Vaccination is the best way to lower your chances of getting whooping cough. The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine protects people from a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
There are two vaccines available to protect against whooping cough: DTap for infants and children under 7 years old, and Tdap for older children, preteens, teens, and adults. The DTap vaccine has been known to rarely cause high fever, seizures, and excessive crying in children. Tdap also helps protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Babies need three shots of DTaP to build up high levels of protection against whooping cough. Children need two booster shots of DTaP to maintain protection through early childhood. Preteens and teens need one booster shot of Tdap as part of their routine vaccination schedule.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive one booster shot of the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect both the parent and the baby. Vaccination during pregnancy can prevent whooping cough in 78% of children under 2 months, and 90% of babies who do get whooping cough are able to avoid hospitalization. Adults who have never received the Tdap shot should get one as soon as possible, followed by a booster shot every 10 years.
In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to lower your chances of getting whooping cough, such as washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home when you're sick.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people with asthma are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends that people with asthma get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
There is no scientific evidence that people with asthma are at an increased risk of vaccine side effects. However, some people have reported their asthma symptoms flaring up after vaccination. If you have concerns, consult your doctor.
The Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines are all available in the United States. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is available for adults and children ages 6 months and older. Moderna is currently only approved for adults 18 years of age and older. Novavax is for adults only.
People with asthma are at higher risk for certain preventable diseases, such as the flu, pneumococcal disease, and whooping cough. Vaccines for these conditions can help reduce the risk of severe complications. The flu shot is recommended for all people 6 months of age or older, while the pneumococcal and whooping cough vaccines may be recommended depending on your age and health history.
