Respiratory diseases remain among the leading causes of medical visits, hospital admissions and complications, especially in the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases.

With recent advances, there is no longer a single "sufficient" vaccine. Today, adequate protection involves a set of vaccines, each with a specific role in preventing serious infections.

Below, you will understand clearly what the main respiratory vaccines are, who should take them and how to organise your vaccination.

Influenza vaccine (Flu)

The flu vaccine is the foundation of respiratory prevention and should be part of the routine for virtually the entire population.

It protects against the main types of influenza virus that circulate each year, reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia, hospital admissions and even death.

Who should take it:

  • All people from 6 months of age onwards

  • Mainly:

    • Elderly people

    • Young children

    • Pregnant women

    • People with chronic diseases

    • Healthcare professionals

When to take it:

  • Once a year

  • Preferably before winter

Why take it every year?
The flu virus undergoes frequent mutations, and the vaccine is updated annually to keep up with these changes.

COVID-19 vaccine

Despite the reduction in severe cases compared to the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 still poses a risk, particularly for vulnerable people.

Vaccination continues to be important for preventing severe forms of the disease.

Who should take it:

  • Elderly people

  • Pregnant women

  • People with chronic diseases

  • Immunocompromised people

How it works today:

  • Periodic boosters, according to updated guidance from health authorities

  • Intervals may vary according to age and clinical conditions

Important:
For healthy young adults, vaccination may have lower priority, but for at-risk groups it remains fundamental.

Pneumococcal vaccine (against pneumonia)

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacteria that can cause serious diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis and generalised infections.

It is one of the most important vaccines in adult life, although still undervalued.

Who should take it:

  • People aged 60 years or over

  • People with diseases such as:

    • Diabetes

    • Heart disease

    • Lung disease

    • Immunosuppression

How it is given:

  • Can be a single dose (in the most modern versions)

  • Or a combined schedule, depending on medical indication

Where to find it:

  • Available in the NHS for specific groups

  • Available in the private sector with more comprehensive versions

Vaccine against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

The RSV vaccine is one of the main innovations in recent preventive medicine.

This virus is a frequent cause of serious respiratory infections, especially in the elderly and babies.

Who should take it:

  • Elderly people

  • People with chronic diseases

  • Pregnant women (for protection of the baby in the first months of life)

Current status:

  • Available mainly in the private sector

  • Growing indication as new guidelines emerge

Why is it important?
Previously, there was no form of active prevention against RSV. Now, vaccination allows for the reduction of important respiratory complications.

How to know which vaccines you need

The choice of vaccines should not be made automatically. It depends on three main factors:

  • Age

  • Presence of chronic diseases

  • Vaccination history

In general:

Healthy young adults:

  • Annual flu vaccine

  • COVID-19 according to current guidance

Elderly people:

  • Annual flu

  • COVID-19 with boosters

  • Pneumococcal

  • RSV

People with comorbidities:

  • Annual flu

  • COVID-19

  • Pneumococcal

  • Consider RSV

Pregnant women:

  • Flu

  • COVID-19 (when indicated)

  • RSV (for baby protection)

Where to get vaccinations

In the NHS (free):

  • Flu vaccine (annual campaigns)

  • COVID-19 vaccine

  • Pneumococcal vaccine for specific groups

In the private sector:

  • More modern pneumococcal vaccines

  • RSV vaccine

  • Expanded versions of the flu vaccine

Prevention of respiratory diseases has evolved. Today, relying on just one vaccine is not sufficient for adequate protection, especially in people at higher risk.

The correct combination of flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal and RSV vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications, hospital admissions and deterioration.

Important:
This content is for informational purposes and does not replace an individualised medical assessment. To determine which vaccines are indicated in your case, consult a healthcare professional.

Dr Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335