Vaccines for lung health.
Know which vaccines might be recommended for you.
People with lung conditions are at higher risk of complications. Learn who each vaccine is for, when to get it, and what to expect.
Influenza (Flu)
Protect yourself against influenza.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Influenza can lead to complications such as pneumonia and can make existing health conditions worse.
Why it matters for lung health
People with lung disease are among the groups at higher risk of influenza-related complications. The flu can worsen respiratory symptoms and may lead to a flare-up or hospitalization.
Who should get vaccinated
NACI recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older who does not have a contraindication. Vaccination is particularly important for people with chronic lung disease, adults 65+, pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems and others at increased risk.
Every influenza season. Protection decreases over time and circulating strains can change. For 2026–2027, NACI recommends that adults 65 and older be offered a high-dose, adjuvanted or recombinant vaccine when available; if these are unavailable, another age-appropriate vaccine should be used.
When
What to expect
A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary. Injectable influenza vaccines cannot cause influenza. Ask a healthcare professional which formulation is suitable for you.
Sources:
NACI 2026-27 influenza statement
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Canadian Immunization Guide (influenza vaccines)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
COVID-19
Keep your protection against COVID-19 up to date.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Some people develop complications, require hospitalization, or experience symptoms that continue after the initial infection.
Why it matters for lung health
People with lung disease and other underlying medical conditions may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, although protection against infection can decrease over time.
Who should get vaccinated
NACI strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination programs for people at increased risk, including all adults 65 and older and people aged six months and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease. Programs may also offer vaccination to other people aged six months and older. Ask your provider how your specific lung condition and treatment affect your recommendation.
Starting fall 2026, most eligible populations are recommended to receive one dose per year. NACI recommends a second dose per year for adults 80 and older, residents of long-term care or other congregate settings for seniors, people aged six months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, and adults 65 to 79 with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk. The minimum interval for the second dose is three months.
When
What to expect
A sore arm, chills, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headache, or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary.
Sources:
NACI COVID guidance (Fall 2026)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Canadian Immunization Guide (COVID vaccines)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Provincial programs decide which groups receive publicly-funded vaccination. Check your provincial page for current elegibility.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV can be serious. Find out whether you are eligible for protection.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. It can also cause lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness.
Why it matters for lung health
RSV can cause significant illness in people with chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma and cystic fibrosis. It can worsen breathing and lead to hospitalization.
Who should get vaccinated
NACI recommends one dose for all adults aged 75+ and adults aged 65 to 74 at increased risk; adults 18+ who live in long-term care or chronic care facilities, have had a lung transplant, have had certain stem-cell transplants, require chronic home oxygen or receive dialysis; Nirsevimab for all infants born during or entering their first RSV season, and for children up to 24 months who remain at higher risk in their second season.
A single dose is recommended, ideally before RSV season. The need and timing of any future booster dose remain under review.
When
What to expect
A sore arm, chills, fatigue, joint pain, decreased appetite, sleeplessness, headache, or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary.
Sources:
NACI RSV Guidance
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Canadian Immunization Guide (RSV)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Pneumococcal
Help protect yourself against pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Serious illness is more likely in older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions like lung disease.
Why it matters for lung health
Lung disease is a risk factor for pneumococcal. Pneumonia can be especially serious for someone who already has reduced lung function or difficulty breathing.
Who should get vaccinated
Canadian guidance recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 65+ and adults aged 18+ with certain risk factors, including chronic lung disease.
In Canada, pneumococcal vaccination timing depends on your age, medical history, and risk factors.
When
What to expect
A sore arm, chills, fatigue, joint pain, decreased appetite, sleeplessness, headache, or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary.
Sources:
Canadian Immunization Guide (Chronic Diseases)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Canadian Immunization Guide (pneumococcal)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Whooping Cough (pertussis)
Do not overlook whooping cough protection.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It can cause severe coughing fits that may last for weeks. Complications can include pneumonia and may be particularly serious for infants.
Why it matters for lung health
A prolonged coughing illness can be difficult for someone with an existing respiratory condition and may worsen symptoms.
Who should get vaccinated
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends one dose of Tdap for adults aged 18+ who have not previously received a pertussis-containing vaccine in adulthood. Tdap is also recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. Adult tetanus-diphtheria (Td) boosters are generally given every 10 years (this is not the same as a recommendation to receive Tdap every 10 years).
Pertussis vaccination depends on your age, timing, and other risk factors
When
What to expect
A sore arm, chills, fatigue, joint pain, decreased appetite, sleeplessness, headache, or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary.
Sources:
Canadian Immunization Guide (Pertussis)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Canadian Immunization Guide (adult immunization)
Canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Shingles (varicella-zoster)
Protect yourself against shingles.
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. It can cause a painful rash and, in some people, long-lasting nerve pain.
Why it matters for lung health
People with chronic lung health issues such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at a higher risk of developing shingles and experiencing more severe complications.
Who should get vaccinated
Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults aged 50+ and for adults aged 18+, who are or will be immunocompromised.
Two doses are given, usually two to six months apart. People who are immunocompromised may be advised to receive the second dose sooner in some circumstances. Ask your healthcare provider about timing, especially before immunosuppressive treatment.
When
What to expect
A sore arm, chills, fatigue, joint pain, upset stomach, sleeplessness, headache, or mild fever can occur and are usually temporary.
Ready to book?
Find information on where you can book your vaccine appointments in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
