Flu Shots Urged for People with Asthma

If you have asthma, you should consider getting a flu shot each fall.  People with asthma are at higher risk for flu complications. 

The flu season usually begins in October and can run through May.  During a typical flu season there can be 30,000 or more flu-related deaths.

Injection Recommended

A flu vaccination can be administered by injection or by nose (intranasal).  The recommended method for asthmatics is injection because it is more effective, and because the intransasal vaccine is indicated only for healthy people ages 5 and 49.

People with allergic rhinitis are not at increased risk for influenza complications, but immunization is recommended to reduce the possibility of getting the flu.  An intramuscular injection also is appropriate for those with rhinitis.

Vaccine is Safe

The influenza vaccine is considered very safe.  Because it contains killed virus, it cannot cause influenza.  The most common side effects may be some pain or swelling at the site of the injection or a slight fever.  Some people have expressed concern about a vaccine ingredient, thimerosal, which is a preservative, however there is no evidence of problems with the small amounts that are in some vaccine products.

If you have questions, ask your allergist or pharmacist.

This advisory for asthma patients about influenza vaccinations has been developed by a Liaison Council of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).