Make vaccination part of your care plan—for you and your family.

Infectious respiratory diseases can affect anyone, but they’re especially concerning for people with lung conditions. While cases often peak during the fall and winter, these illnesses can pose a threat year-round.

The good news? Vaccines are available for some of the most serious respiratory infections, including influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and certain types of pneumonia. This page will help guide you on which lung-protective vaccines to consider—for yourself and your loved ones.

Who’s most at risk?

Choosing to get vaccinated not only protects you but also helps prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases to those around you.

Some members of your community are at higher risk of serious complications from infectious respiratory illnesses. These include:

It’s
worth
a shot!

While most vaccines can’t eliminate your risk of getting sick entirely, they are proven to significantly reduce it. But they also offer another important benefit.

If you do become ill with a vaccine-preventable disease after being vaccinated, you’re less likely to experience severe complications—such as secondary infections like pneumonia. You’re also less likely to be hospitalized. And if you have a chronic lung condition like asthma or COPD, vaccination can reduce your risk of illness-related flare-ups or exacerbations.

How do vaccines protect you?

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have, to prevent serious illness. They work by training your body’s natural defense system—your immune system—to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria before they make you seriously sick.

Vaccines use inactive or harmless parts of a germ (or its genetic material) to safely “teach” your immune system how to respond. If you’re exposed to the real infection later on, your body is ready to protect you.

This means you’re less likely to get sick—and if you do, you’re much less likely to become seriously ill or need hospitalization.

What about side effects?

Some people experience mild side effects like a sore arm, fatigue, or a low-grade fever. These are normal and short-lived—they’re signs that your body is building protection.

Vaccines cannot give you the disease. The ingredients used are either inactivated, weakened, or just small parts of the germ that cannot cause illness.

Why vaccination matters

The side effects from vaccines are much milder than the diseases they prevent. For example:

The flu can lead to weeks of illness or even hospitalization.

COVID-19 and RSV can cause serious lung complications—especially in older adults and those with pre-existing lung conditions.

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of preventable death in vulnerable groups.

Protect yourself. Protect others.

By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and help prevent the spread of serious illnesses to those around you—especially babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination is a simple step that makes a big difference.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes! Vaccines approved in Canada meet strict safety and quality standards after many years of research and testing.

Flu vaccines, for example, have been safely protecting Canadians since the 1940s.

Mild side effects like, a sore arm or tiredness, are common and normal. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Have questions or concerns? Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist—they can help you choose the right vaccines for you.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect you and your community.

Mind the gap: Why are some vaccines recommended, but not available to you for free?

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting lung health. A vaccine being recommended but not funded reflects policy and budget decisions, not its clinical importance. Even if not publicly funded, these vaccines remain safe, effective, and beneficial for individuals — and people are encouraged to get them if recommended by their provider.

In the following section, we’ll outline several vaccines and who should get them, based on recommendations by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). This committee is made up of experts in the fields of pediatrics, infectious diseases, immunology, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, social science and public health, and it has been providing guidance since 1964.

However, there may be a gap between what is clinically recommended and what is funded by your provincial government. The Lung Health Foundation is monitoring these situations with interest – for example, the de-funding of COVID-19 vaccines in Alberta or the expansion of Ontario’s RSV vaccine program.

Protection for everyone

Everyone can benefit from lung-protecting vaccines, though some vaccines have specific audiences in mind.

What is the flu?

Influenza, or “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory infection caused by flu viruses. The specific virus strains can change from year to year.

Flu viruses circulate year-round but typically peak between late fall and early spring.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. While many people recover within a week to 10 days, flu can lead to serious illness and hospitalization—especially for vulnerable groups.

Why avoid the flu?

The flu is more serious than a common cold. In Canada, it causes an estimated over 12,000 hospitalizations and around 3,500 deaths every year, mainly among older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. It can also lead to dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant individuals, unless there’s a medical reason not to get vaccinated.

The vaccine is free in all provinces and territories and widely available at pharmacies.

For adults 65 and older, the immune response to the flu vaccine may be weaker. A high-dose flu vaccine, containing four times the usual amount of antigen, offers extra protection. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if this option is right for you.

You can read the full recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) here.

When should you get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is available every fall, updated annually based on circulating flu strains. Protection lasts about six months. It takes roughly two weeks after vaccination to develop full immunity.

What it is:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways. It is highly contagious, and infections usually last one to two weeks.

RSV season typically begins in November and lasts through April.

RSV can affect people of all ages, often causing mild, cold-like symptoms. However, certain vulnerable groups are at higher risk for severe RSV infections that can seriously affect breathing.

Why avoid RSV?

RSV can be very serious for:

Infants

Older adults

People with weakened immune systems

Those with chronic lung conditions

Severe RSV infections can lead to lower respiratory tract illness requiring hospitalization.

Is there an RSV vaccine?

Yes! Several RSV vaccines are now available, though vaccination is not yet publicly funded for everyone in Canada. Recommendations are based on individual risk factors and circumstances.

The Lung Health Foundation and health authorities recommend discussing your personal eligibility with a healthcare provider.

When can you get the RSV vaccine?

RSV vaccines are currently available by prescription in Canada, with a cost for those not covered by public health programs. Protection can last up to two years.

The RSV vaccine can be co-administered with other seasonal vaccines and is encouraged to help mitigate the impacts of the respiratory season. You can also ask your healthcare provider for a custom-tailored schedule that fits your health needs, curated by you and your healthcare provider.

You can read the full recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) here.

If you fall into any of the groups above, talk to your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

As of 2025, RSV vaccination is recommended for:

Adults 75 years and older

Adults 60 years and older living in long-term care or chronic care facilities

People who are immunocompromised

Individuals with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD

Pregnant people (vaccination between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy offers newborn protection through maternal antibodies) [Publicly funded only in ON]

Infants [Publicly funded, except in BC and AB where only high-risk infants are covered by public funding]

SPOTLIGHT: Public-funded RSV vaccines in Ontario

Starting this fall, RSV immunization will now be available through Ontario’s publicly funded RSV immunization programs to all individuals aged 75 and older, building on last year’s expansion of the programs that also includes:

Certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, such as residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes

Infants up to eight months of age in their first RSV season

High-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second season

Pregnant people

We hope that the other provinces follow suit, too!

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine — and when?

Pneumococcal vaccines (often called Pneu-C vaccines) help protect against serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

The type and timing of the vaccine depends on your age, health history, and risk level.

For babies and young children (Under 5 years):

Most healthy children receive Pneu-C-15 or Pneu-C-20 as part of their routine baby shots.

These vaccines help protect them early in life when they’re most vulnerable.

For adults 65 and older:

You should get one dose of Pneu-C-20 to protect against the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.

For adults under 65 with health risks:

If you have a chronic condition (like asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system), you should also get one dose of Pneu-C-20.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible.

What if you’ve been vaccinated before?

If you received an older pneumococcal vaccine in the past, you might still benefit from a newer one.

The goal is to increase your protection against more strains of the bacteria.

Still not sure which vaccine you need?

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you understand your vaccine history and what’s best for your age and health needs.

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, including during pregnancy, unless there is a medical reason not to get vaccinated.

The vaccine is especially important for those who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Who is at higher risk and needs extra protection?

Adults 65 years and older

People living in long-term care homes or similar facilities

Individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions)

Immunocompromised people

Pregnant people

People from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities

Health care workers and caregivers

Members of equity-deserving and racialized communities

How often should you get vaccinated?

Everyone 6 months and older should get one COVID-19 dose per year, ideally in the fall.

People at higher risk may be offered an additional spring dose, depending on their health needs.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in 2025?

The latest vaccines protect against the KP.2 Omicron subvariant, which is currently the most common strain.

These updated vaccines are free in Ontario for anyone aged 6 months and older.

Why get vaccinated again if you had COVID-19?

Even if you’ve had COVID-19 before, the virus keeps changing. Vaccination boosts your immunity and helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization, or long COVID.

Need more information?

Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to check your eligibility and vaccine schedule.

People with lung health concerns, especially those who are older or immunocompromised, are at higher risk of shingles and its complications, which can worsen overall health and recovery.

What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an illness caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The reactivation of this virus can cause an extremely painful skin rash with blisters in a strip-like pattern on one side of the body. The most common complication of shingles is prolonged and severe nerve pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia and there is no cure for it. Rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and inflammation in the brain, known as encephalitis.

Who is at risk?

Shingles can develop at any time following a chickenpox infection and can occur in individuals of any age. The severity of shingles and its complications increase with age and in those with existing immunosuppressed states. Typically, individuals who develop shingles only have one episode in their lifetime, but it is possible to have recurring episodes. The vaccine can reduce YOUR risk of getting shingles and any complications that are associated.

Who is eligible for vaccine?

Ontario has a shingles immunization program in which 2 doses of Shingrix vaccine are offered to eligible individuals with a gap of 2-6 months between doses.

The vaccine series is available to:

Adults aged 65-70

Individuals with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should defer immunization until they have fully recovered.

Adults ≥ 18-50 years of age who are or will be at increased risk due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known medical condition or treatment.

Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. It is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious and contagious diseases.

Protecting against pertussis is critical in lung health, as severe coughing or respiratory infections can lead to serious complications in patients with weakened lungs or chronic conditions.

What is pertussis (whooping cough?)

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious illness that causes severe coughing, which can make it hard to eat, drink, or breathe. It can affect anyone but is especially dangerous for infants, sometimes leading to serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, or even death. Since babies are often exposed by parents or siblings before they’re fully protected by vaccines, getting vaccinated during pregnancy is important to protect both the parent and the baby.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria found in soil and the environment. The bacteria enter the body through cuts or wounds and release a toxin that attacks the nervous system, causing painful muscle tightening, often starting with the jaw (“lockjaw”). Tetanus is not spread from person to person and, without treatment, can lead to severe complications or death.

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat, and skin. It can cause sore throat, fever, and chills, and sometimes dangerous complications like breathing problems, heart failure, or nerve damage. The disease spreads through coughing and sneezing, but thanks to high vaccination rates, no cases have been reported in Ontario since 1995.

Who is eligible?

18 years and older booster doses every 10 years;

When an injury occurs that is prone to tetanus infection (including puncture wounds, animal bites, burns, and any wound contaminated with dirt, feces, soil or saliva), immediate immunization with Td or Tdap may be advised, depending on the interval since the last booster dose;

One dose of Tdap is advised after 13 weeks of pregnancy (ideally between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation), regardless of the prior immunization history of the pregnant parent

Can Tdap be given with other vaccines?

All Tdap/DTaP/IPV-containing vaccines can be given simultaneously with other routine and age-appropriate vaccines

How does it relate to those with existing lung health concerns?

For people with lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or lung cancer, illnesses such as pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria can be especially dangerous. Pertussis causes severe coughing that can worsen breathing problems; diphtheria can block the airway and damage the heart and nerves; and while tetanus does not spread between people, its muscle spasms can make breathing more difficult. Vaccination is the best way to prevent these serious complications

What is the difference between Tdap & DTap?

DTaP vaccines contain full-strength doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis components, whereas Tdap formulations include the full-strength tetanus component but reduced doses of diphtheria and pertussis. DTaP is typically used for the primary immunization series, while Tdap and Td are mainly administered as booster or reimmunization doses.

Other ways to prevent the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses

Vaccination is your best defense against serious complications from illnesses like influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19. What else can you do to protect yourself and stop the spread?

Consider using a well-fitted mask N95 when in public to limit the spread of your germs with others
Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes when in public. Wearing a mask can help you remember.
Regularly clean common areas of your home – think door handles, light switches, hand rails, taps, remote controls, keyboards.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue, then throw it away and immediately wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
If you are sick, stay home!
Wash your hands regularly.
Get enough sleep.
Eat a balanced diet.

Give yourself a hand
(wash)

Need a refresher on the right way to wash? No problem!

Brush up on your sink-side technique to help stop the spread of germs:

Wet your hands.
Add soap and lather for at least twenty seconds. Include the back of your hands, the spots between your fingers, your wrists, and under your fingernails.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry your hands. If possible, turn off the tap using a cloth, so your freshly washed hand doesn’t touch the tap.
Repeat often – especially after using the bathroom, before (and after) eating or preparing food, after blowing your nose or coughing, after using a tissue, and after touching objects in high traffic areas, like handrails and doorknobs.
No sink? No sweat! When access to a sink isn’t possible, you can use hand sanitizer. Pick one with at least 60% alcohol.

Family fun tip

Children of all ages may require help from an adult to achieve proper handwashing technique. Make it fun with stories and songs! Twenty seconds is about how long it takes to sing your ABCs, so suds up!

FAQs about infectious respiratory illnesses

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

No, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine since the viruses in the vaccines have been altered so that they cannot cause an infection.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Yes, the flu vaccine is generally very safe. There are so many flu vaccines given every year, yet very few significant side effects. Generally, the health risks from getting the flu are much greater than any health risk from the flu vaccine.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

The flu viruses that spread around the world are different every year. Therefore the flu vaccine contains protection against a new set of viruses every year. The immunity you get from a flu vaccine also decreases over time.

I’ve never had the flu. Why should I get the flu vaccine?

Even if you’ve never been in a serious vehicle collision in the past, do you still put on your seat belt? Most people do since it greatly reduces their risk of injury and death in the unlikely event of a vehicle collision. The fact that you have not been infected with the flu in the past does not mean you won’t be infected in the future. Getting the flu vaccine greatly reduces your risk of the flu.

Getting the flu vaccine also helps protect others who may not be able to fight off the infection as well as you. The more people who get vaccinated in a community, the less chance the infection spreads around.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The common cold is a name given to minor infections in the nose and throat. The flu is a more serious disease caused by viruses that are different from cold viruses. Flu and cold infections are both very contagious.

With the flu, it is common to have a fever, headache, body aches, and weakness. With a cold, these symptoms are much less common.

Can RSV be serious?

Yes. Infants or young children who have RSV for the first time may get a serious infection in their lower respiratory tract, like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. They will need to be treated in hospital. Most children with RSV who are sick enough to go to the hospital are either very young (infants) or have an underlying health condition, like heart or lung disease. RSV can be more serious in premature and newborn babies.

If I’ve had an RSV infection before, can I get it again?

Yes. RSV can infect the same person more than once throughout their lifetime. Symptoms are usually less severe after the first RSV infection. Symptoms for older children and adults are more like cold symptoms, but older adults (60+) can still get very sick.

Can RSV weaken my child’s lungs and make them more prone to pneumonia in the future?

Most children recover completely from RSV and won’t have any extra problems the next time they have a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu. But for a few children, having RSV will make them more prone to other lung and breathing problems later. It’s possible that these later problems could be caused by an underlying medical condition or allergy, and not RSV.

What causes pneumonia?

Certain germs (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) are the main causes of pneumonia. Most healthy people can usually fight off these germs. However some people are more prone to these germs, less able to fight them off and therefore more likely to get pneumonia.

Occasionally pneumonia is caused by a workplace exposure, or unintentionally aspirating (inhaling) food or vomit into the lungs.

How is pneumonia treated?

If you have any regular symptoms, see your healthcare provider to be assessed as soon as possible. Treatment may include:

Antibiotics if your pneumonia is suspected to be caused by bacteria
Rest at home
Plenty of fluids
Corticosteroid medication

Some people with severe pneumonia may need to go to the hospital to have additional support (e.g., oxygen, intravenous medication)

How can you prevent pneumonia?

If you smoke, try to quit-smoke damages the natural defenses in your lungs (e.g., cilia) that protect you from infections
Ask your healthcare provider about getting the pneumococcal vaccination
Get the flu vaccination each year-since pneumonia can be a complication of getting the flu, the flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of both the flu and pneumonia
Wash your hands regularly. When soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Stay away from people who are sick
If you have an underlying condition that increases your risk of pneumonia (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis), make sure to learn how to manage it
If you are at a higher risk from pneumonia and you get a cough, fever or shortness of breath, see your healthcare provider right away.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet can strengthen your immune system.

How do I know if I have pneumonia?

Since symptoms can vary depending on your age, see your healthcare provider if you notice any health-related changes. Although in some people (e.g., very young, very old) sometimes there are no obvious symptoms of pneumonia, these are the most common:

Fever
Chills
Cough
Yellow-green phlegm (mucus)
Shortness of breath
Feeling very tired and unwell
Chest pain

What is “walking pneumonia”?

When you have pneumonia but the symptoms are mild enough that you do not feel the need to stay home, this is sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia”. You may not even know you have pneumonia since it can feel just like a cold. If you have any regular symptoms (even mild!) that do not go away, see your health care provider.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective against COVID-19 infection. In most cases, there may be some minor reactions such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects are rare. For more information about your case, contact your healthcare provider or public health in your area.

Am I able to decide which COVID-19 vaccine to get?

Yes, there are options. Click here for more information about vaccines approved in Canada.

If I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant, should I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding. A COVID-19 vaccine protects the mother and the baby. For more information, contact your healthcare provider or public health in your area.

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