Are Flu and COVID Vaccines Recommended For People With Asthma?
People with asthma are at high risk of complications from the flu and COVID-19. These viral infections can:
- Affect the lungs.
- Trigger asthma attacks.
- Worsen asthma symptoms.
- Lead to pneumonia (in some cases).
The CDC recommends that people 6 months of age and older get vaccines for flu and COVID-19 every year. These vaccines take about 2 weeks to build immunity and help protect you from these viral illnesses. Vaccines can help prevent complications from these viruses if you do get sick.
September and October are the best times to get vaccinated. But any time is better than not at all, to get vaccinated.
People with asthma using inhaled or oral corticosteroids and biologics can still get these vaccines. Discuss this with your doctor.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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