How to show your lungs some love: Get vaccinated!
Getting your recommended vaccines is a great way to show your lungs some love — and help protect the millions of Canadians living with lung disease who are at risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Not all of these vaccines are recommended for everyone. Find out more on our site and speak to your family doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. They can tell you what vaccines are recommended for you, based on factors like your age and current health conditions.
We've created a vaccination tracker to bring with your when you go, to record which vaccinations are recommended for you, to remind yourself to make an appointment to get vaccinated, and to keep track of when you received each vaccination.
COVID-19
Do I need a COVID-19 booster shot this fall?
In general, a COVID-19 booster is recommended beginning in the fall of 2023 for those who:
- have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine AND
- if It has been at least six months since your last COVID-19 vaccination OR
- It has been at least six months since you have had COVID-19 (whichever is later)
Immunization is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease. This includes individuals who are 65 years old or older.
Does my lung health put me at risk for more severe COVID-19 disease?
If you are living with:
- bronchiectasis,
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
- cystic fibrosis,
- interstitial lung disease (ILD),
- pulmonary hypertension, or
- pulmonary embolism,
or are a current or former smoker, you are considered at higher risk for more severe COVID-19 disease. It is particularly important for you to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
How can I get my COVID-19 booster?
Each province and territory administers its own vaccination programs. Below you will find links to more information about COVID-19 vaccination in your province or territory, including eligibility and how to book an appointment to get vaccinated.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Can I get a flu shot at the same time?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines may be given the same day or at any time before or after, non-COVID-19 vaccines.
Where can I find out more information?
It's always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about vaccinations. If you'd like to read more, we've included links to trusted websites.
National Advisory Council on Immunization recommendations for:
Influenza
Do I need a flu shot (influenza vaccine) this fall?
In general, yes. The influenza vaccine should be offered every year to anyone 6 months of age and older who does not have contraindications to the vaccine.
Immunization is particularly important for those at high risk of complications or hospitalization from influenza, or for those who may transmit influenza to someone at high risk. This includes individuals who are 65 years old and older.
It is possible to be infected with influenza virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time, which could cause serious illness. It is also important for people with underlying medical conditions associated with more severe COVID-19 disease and those who may transmit influenza to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19 to get a flu shot.
Does my lung health put me at risk for more severe influenza?
Adults or children with pulmonary disorders, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, and asthma, are at higher risk of complications or hospitalization from influenza.
How can I get my flu shot?
Each province and territory administers its own vaccination programs. Below you will find links to more information about flu vaccination in your province or territory, including eligibility and more information about where and when you can get vaccinated.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Can I get a COVID-19 booster at the same time?
Yes. All seasonal influenza vaccines may be given at the same time as, or at any time before or after, other vaccines including COVID-19 vaccines, for those aged 6 months of age and older.
Where can I find out more information?
It's always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about vaccinations. If you'd like to read more, you can visit the website of the National Advisory Council on Immunization, which includes the following:
Recommendations for:
Pneumonia
Do I need to be vaccinated against pneumonia?
Healthy adults under the age of 65 do not, in general, require a pneumococcal vaccine.
The vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years old and older and for those at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), which includes those with certain health conditions (see below) and those who live in long-term care facilities, smokers, persons with alcoholism and homeless persons.
Vaccination against pneumonia is also offered as part of routine childhood immunizations.
Does my lung health put me at high risk for IPD?
Individuals with chronic lung disease, including asthma that has required medical care in the previous year, are considered at higher risk.
How can I get my pneumococcal vaccine?
Each province and territory administers its own vaccination programs. Below you will find links to more information about pneumococcal vaccination in your province or territory, including eligibility.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Where can I find out more information?
It's always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about vaccinations. If you'd like to read more, you can visit the website of the National Advisory Council on Immunization, which includes the following:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
In August 2023, Health Canada announced it had approved a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for use in adults 60 years old and older.
A vaccine for RSV is recommended for high-risk children under two years of age.
Where can I find out more information?
It's always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about vaccinations. If you'd like to read more, you can visit the website of the National Advisory Council on Immunization, which includes the following:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Canadian Immunization Guide