Vaccinations for people with COPD

2) Influenza vaccine – what is it?

Man sitting up in bed coughing

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Influenza is an acute, feverish viral illness that more commonly occurs during the winter months.

It is very important that you have your flu vaccination every year. The influenza vaccine has to be given annually as strains of the flu virus change and new vaccines are developed to give you immunity to the most common strains each year.

The flu vaccine has been proven to reduce exacerbations of COPD and it is very effective in protecting you from risk of severe illness or possible hospital admission.

Your GP surgery will offer the vaccine from October to March. If you are unwell the vaccine may be withheld so try to attend for your vaccination early to avoid winter infections.