People with chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
-
Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy. Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
-
Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications to control your chronic lung condition.
-
Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
What vaccines do you need?
-
COVID-19 vaccine. As information regarding the vaccine and its distribution is evolving, we ask that you visit the www.immunizebc.ca website for up to date information on COVID-19 vaccination.
-
Flu (influenza) vaccine every year to protect against seasonal flu.
-
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines to protect against serious pneumococcal diseases. Some types of pneumococcal (bacterial pneumonia) infections are prevented with vaccination. People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu vaccine. People with a long-term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or vaccination every 5 years, depending on their underlying health problem.
-
Shingles vaccine to protect against shingles if you are 50 years or older. At this time, BC does not have a publicly-funded shingles vaccine program. However, the vaccine can be purchased at most pharmacies and travel clinics.
-
Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). To read more about who should receive this vaccine, click here.
Where to get vaccinated?
Contact your local health unit, your pharmacy or doctor's office for more information. You can get vaccines at most pharmacies and travel clinics.