Immunizations and COPD: A Preventive Tool That Starts with a Trusted Conversation

This post was written by Tralisa Willis, MEd, CHWI.

Immunizations can play a fundamental role in managing the quality of life of a person living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conversations with medical providers regarding the importance of vaccines for illnesses such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections can have a great impact on vaccination uptake.

Alongside smoking cessation, evidence-based treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity, and individualized action plans, recommended vaccines can help reduce the impact of preventable respiratory illnesses.

Health care providers play a critical role in helping patients understand how vaccinations support their overall lung health.³ A strong recommendation paired with clear, respectful communication can help patients make informed decisions and feel supported throughout the process.

Why Immunization Matters for People With COPD

COPD can make it more difficult for the lungs to recover from respiratory infections.

When respiratory infections occur, patients may experience an increase in cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and fatigue. These infections can also contribute to acute exacerbations and a decline in physical function or quality of life.¹

Vaccines can help reduce the risk of severe illness and serious complications. For example, during the 2022-2023 flu season, vaccination prevented an estimated 5.9 million illnesses, 2.9 million medical visits, 64,000 hospitalizations, and 3,600 deaths related to influenza.⁴ Adult immunizations can also reduce morbidity and mortality related to pneumococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other diseases, particularly in high-risk individuals.⁴

For patients with COPD, vaccinations should be viewed as a preventive tool that supports long-term respiratory health.

Vaccines to Review

Vaccination recommendations should be individualized based on age, health conditions, vaccination history, and current clinical guidance. Health care providers should routinely review the following:

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumococcal disease
• RSV
• Shingles
• DPT^1,5

Health care professionals should consult current CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance.⁶

Hesitancy is Normal

There are many reasons patients may hesitate when approached with vaccine recommendations. It may be a poor previous experience, mistrust, complacency, cultural fears and beliefs, or even misinformation from social media channels or friends and family. Controversy surrounding vaccines can lead to questions about vaccine safety, effectiveness, side effects, or the need for multiple vaccines.³

A patient-centered conversation can help address concerns while maintaining trust.

Make a Strong, Personalized Recommendation

Patients look to their trusted health care providers for assistance in making health decisions. Communicating clearly about vaccines helps patients make informed decisions about their health.² Connect vaccination directly to the patient's COPD and overall health goals. An example of a conversation:

Because you have COPD, I recommend staying up to date on your vaccines. Preventing serious respiratory infections is an important part of protecting your lung health.

A strong recommendation communicates that vaccination is a routine component of COPD care.³

Use Clear, Meaningful Language

Avoid clinical terminology. Explain how vaccination may specifically support the health of the patient. An example of language that may be confusing to many patients is:

COPD places you at an increased risk of complications from certain illnesses. The flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines can help lower your risk of complications from these illnesses.¹

Connect prevention to maintaining independence, staying active, participating in family activities, and avoiding setbacks in COPD management.

Tips for Your Team

Methods to increase vaccination uptake are most effective when integrated into routine COPD care.

Health care teams can:

• Review vaccination status during COPD follow-up visits and annual wellness visits.
• Use electronic health record reminders or pre-visit planning tools.
• Offer recommended vaccines during the same visit when clinically appropriate.
• Document vaccine discussions and revisit concerns at future appointments.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials.
• Connect vaccination to the patient's COPD action plan and personal health goals.⁶

A Simple Framework for Vaccine Conversations

A brief, patient-centered discussion can follow this approach:

• Recommend: "Because you have COPD, I recommend staying up to date on your vaccines to help protect your lungs."
• Ask: "Do you have any questions or concerns?"
• Listen: "Tell me more about what worries you."
• Respond: "That is an important question. Here is what we know and how it applies to your health."
• Confirm: "What is your understanding of the benefits and next steps?"

Supporting Prevention Through Partnership

Vaccination is one part of a comprehensive approach to COPD management. When health care providers regularly connect vaccine recommendations to the outcomes patients value—such as avoiding hospitalization, maintaining independence, and staying engaged in daily life—prevention becomes more personal and relevant.

A strong recommendation may not always result in immediate vaccination, but it can support informed decision-making and keep the door open for future discussion.

By combining evidence-based recommendations with clear, compassionate communication, health care teams can help people living with COPD take an active role in protecting their lung health.