What to know about COPD and COVID-19 vaccinations

Should people with COPD get the vaccine?

In general, it is advisable for everyone to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. According to the American Lung Association, people with lung disease, such as COPD, should get a COVID-19 vaccine.

While COPD itself is not a risk factor for acquiring a SARS-CoV-2 infection, existing lung damage due to COPD means people are more likely to experience severe complications of COVID-19. A 2021 article highlights that having COPD can increases a person’s risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death from COVID-19.

As a result, it is highly advisable for people living with COPD to receive a vaccination as soon as it is feasible. The vaccines provide protection against the disease, due to an immune response to the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Developing immunity through vaccination reduces the risk of a person developing the illness and its potential consequences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that the only people who should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine are those with a contraindication to it. This refers to a condition or circumstance, such as an allergy, that may act as a reason not to receive the vaccine due to the harm it could cause.

To further reduce risk, It is important that family members and friends also receive the vaccine and all people continue practices, such as hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing masks, to provide the most protection for those that are most vulnerable.

Efficacy of the vaccine

Vaccine efficacy refers to two things: how well the vaccine performs in ideal conditions and the percentage reduction in a disease in a group of people who received a vaccination in a clinical trial. Vaccine effectiveness is the measure of how well a vaccine works when given to people in the community outside of clinical trials. An efficacious and effective vaccine will help to reduce hospitalizations and death.

Currently, there is no data on the efficacy and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines specifically in people with COPD. However, all approved vaccines available to those in the U.S. have displayed promising levels of efficacy. A preprint 2021 study suggests that those who are fully vaccinated are three times less likely to have a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Safety

All authorized vaccines in the U.S. undergo stringent protocols to ensure safety. Both the CDC and the American Thoracic Society indicate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people living with lung conditions such as COPD. As evidence suggests that people living with COPD are more likely to experience severe complications form COVID-19, it is advisable for them to get the vaccine to increase their protection against SARS-CoV-2.

In the United States, the three available COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe for most people. However, as with most vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine may lead to side effects in anyone, including those living with COPD. It is unclear whether a person living with COPD is more likely than those without the condition to experience side effects from the vaccine. Some possible side effects may include:

• injection site soreness
• redness or swelling at the injection site
• muscle pain
• tiredness
• fever
• headaches
• nausea
• chills

What vaccines are available?

Currently, in the U.S., the following vaccines are available under emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

• Pfizer. The Pfizer-Biotech vaccine is an mRNA vaccine injected into the muscle in the shoulder in a series of two shots 21 days apart.
• Moderna. The Moderna vaccine is also an mRNA injected into the muscle and administered in two shots spaced 1 month apart.
• Johnson & Johnson. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that involves a single dose injected into the muscle.

There is no evidence to suggest that one vaccine is necessarily superior to the others, so health experts recommend getting any of the vaccines available, as they all provide protection against COVID-19. Individuals getting either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna may not mix vaccines. Both shots must be the same vaccine.

In August 2021, the CDC announced that the protection of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may decrease over time. Starting in mid-September, the CDC recommends a 3rd booster shot starting 8 months after a person’s second shot. Experts think that a booster shot for people that took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also likely.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine interfere with COPD treatments?

Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will not interfere with COPD treatments. Typically, COPD treatment may include breathing techniques, oxygen therapy, and medication to relax the airways and reduce swelling. Taking any of the available COVID-19 vaccines is unlikely to affect a person’s treatment plan.

Should people with COPD get other vaccines?

Since people with COPD are at an increased risk for developing complications from respiratory infections, getting additional vaccines is vital. The CDC recommends people with COPD get certain vaccines to decrease their risk of increased respiratory symptoms and complications. The CDC advise that people with COPD receive the following vaccines:

• Influenza (annual vaccine to prevent the flu)
• Pneumococcal (vaccine to prevent pneumonia)
• Tdap (vaccine to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough)
• Zoster (vaccine to protect against shingles)

A person’s doctor may also recommend additional vaccines depending on a person’s lifestyle, age, and underlying conditions. A person can use this tool to see what other vaccines they may require.

When to contact a doctor after vaccination

It is important to contact a doctor if vaccine side effects continue for more than a few days. Usually, vaccine side effects may only last 1–2 days. If side effects get worse after a day or 2, it is also advisable to see a doctor.

If signs of a serious allergic reaction occur after getting the vaccine, people should seek emergency medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• hives
• trouble breathing
• throat or tongue swelling

Summary

Individuals living with COPD are at a higher risk of severe complications of COVID-19, which makes them a higher priority for receiving the vaccine. Evidence suggests that the available vaccines are safe and effective for people with COPD. As a result, health experts recommend that people living with COPD should get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as it is available to them.