Asthma and the pneumonia vaccine

The vaccine targets pneumococcal bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other serious infections. It does not prevent every type of pneumonia, and it does not replace influenza, COVID-19 or other vaccines recommended for you.

Asthma inflames the airways, and a chest infection can provoke coughing, wheeze and breathing difficulty. Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise selected pneumococcal strains before exposure.

Different pneumococcal vaccines cover different strain groups and may be used in different circumstances. Eligibility and timing can depend on age, long-term steroid use, immune function, previous doses and other lung, heart or kidney conditions.

Ask a clinician or vaccination service to check your records and current UAE recommendations. Tell them about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, immune-suppressing treatment, pregnancy, recent illness and any pneumococcal dose received elsewhere.

Keep taking asthma medicines as prescribed around the appointment unless your clinician gives different instructions. Mild arm soreness, tiredness or a low fever can occur afterward. Rest, drink fluids and seek personalised advice about symptom relief if needed.

Call emergency services for swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives with breathing difficulty, collapse, severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, or inability to stay awake. These are not expected minor after-effects.

Vaccination cannot treat an infection already underway. Seek prompt assessment for worsening breathlessness, chest pain with breathing, persistent fever, coughing up phlegm, dehydration or an asthma flare that is not responding to the written action plan.

Confirm which pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate, whether earlier doses change the schedule, and how other planned vaccines should be timed. Also ask what symptoms after vaccination should prompt a call and how to manage asthma if a respiratory infection develops.