IMMUNIZE FOR LUNG HEALTH

Healthy Lungs Start With Prevention

Getting immunized is one of the best things you can do to protect your lung health.

WHY?

With so much misinformation

circulating about vaccines, we feel

it's important to educate Nova

Scotians and Islanders about the

importance of immunizations in

preventing respiratory illnesses

such as influenza, pneumonia,

& RSV, which can have serious

consequences for individuals

with lung conditions.

WHY VACCINES MATTER FOR LUNG HEALTH

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and

thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.

People with chronic lung conditions are often at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory infections. The immune system’s ability to

fight off infections can be compromised, making it more difficult for the

body to recover. This can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and in

some cases, life-threatening situations.

Vaccines work by preparing your immune system to recognize and fight

off bacteria and viruses. Staying up to date with your recommended

immunizations are proven to reduce the risk of severe disease,

hospitalization, and death.

It's important to note - immunizations aren’t just for flu season! Respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time of year. Staying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious lung infections. Talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccines recommended for you—because every season is the right season to protect your lungs.

Respiratory illnesses can impact anyone, but they are especially harmful to those with existing lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or lung cancer. Vaccines are a safe, effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, COVID-19, and RSV.

KEY VACCINATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH COMPROMISED LUNG HEALTH

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: In people with lung conditions, the flu often leads to pneumonia or other severe respiratory complications. The annual flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of the virus each season.

Find out more about the influenza vaccine

RSV Vaccine: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly contagious and can be severe or even life-threatening. Women who are 32-36 weeks pregnant (to protect their newborn), adults 75+, those 60-74 with risk factors like lung disease, and parents of newborns under eight months old should consider immunization. There are three RSV vaccines available: RSVpreF*, RSVpreF3, and RSVmRNA - make sure you ask your healthcare provider which option is best for you.

*NACI now recommends RSVPreF3 vaccination for adults aged 50-59 who have chronic conditions or other risk factors, expanding protection to a younger group at higher risk of severe RSV illness. They also support the use of the mRNA-1345 vaccine for adults aged 60+ as a new option for RSV prevention.7

*Only RSVpreF can be used in pregnant individuals

*Free for eligible populations under public health programs

Find out more about the RSV vaccine

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Each year there are close to 300,000 pneumonia hospitalizations in Canada. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumonia, bacteremia (infection in the blood), and meningitis. There are three types of pneumococcal vaccines: PNEU-C-15, PNEU-C-20, and PNEU-C-21. Make sure to ask your healthcare provider which is best for you.

*Free for eligible populations under public health programs

Find out more about the pneumococcal vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine: The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to reduce the severity of the disease and lower the chances of hospitalization and severe complications.1

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine: Pertussis can cause prolonged coughing fits that are particularly dangerous for those with lung diseases. The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is usually given once in adulthood with boosters recommended every 10 years.

Find out more about the pertussis vaccine

Shingles Vaccine: Shingles can be extremely painful and stressful, potentially worsening respiratory conditions. If you've ever had the primary infection of Varicella Zoster Virus (Chickenpox), it becomes latent and can become reactivated as Herpes Zoster (Shingles) later in life. More than 99% of people born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having the disease. Chickenpox can reactivate years later and cause shingles.*

Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, (RZV) is free for eligible individuals under public health programs

Find out more about the shingles vaccine

It’s important to discuss your vaccination schedule with your healthcare provider. Some vaccines may need to be spaced out, especially if you’re receiving

immune-modulating therapies for conditions like asthma or COPD. Staying informed and proactive can help you breathe easier and live a healthier, more comfortable life.