Respiratory Diseases and Vaccination: A Comprehensive Guide

Respiratory diseases continue to be among the leading causes of medical visits, hospitalizations, and complications, especially in elderly individuals, 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 which are the main respiratory vaccines, who should take them, and how to organize 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, hospitalizations, and even death.

Who should get it:

  • All people starting from 6 months of age

  • Especially:

    • Elderly individuals

    • Young children

    • Pregnant women

    • People with chronic diseases

    • Healthcare professionals

When to get it:

  • Once a year

  • Preferably before winter

Why get it every year?
The flu virus undergoes frequent mutations, and the vaccine is updated annually to keep pace 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, especially for vulnerable people.

Vaccination continues to be important to prevent severe forms of the disease.

Who should get it:

  • Elderly individuals

  • Pregnant women

  • People with chronic diseases

  • Immunosuppressed individuals

How it works today:

  • Periodic boosters, according to updated health authority guidelines

  • 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 continues to be fundamental.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (against pneumonia)

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

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

Who should get it:

  • People aged 60 years or older

  • People with diseases such as:

    • Diabetes

    • Heart diseases

    • Lung diseases

    • Immunosuppression

How it is administered:

  • Can be a single dose (in newer versions)

  • Or a combined schedule, depending on medical indication

Where to find it:

  • Available in the SUS for specific groups

  • Available in the private network 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 elderly individuals and babies.

Who should get it:

  • Elderly individuals

  • People with chronic diseases

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

Current situation:

  • Available mainly in the private network

  • Growing indication according to new guidelines

Why is it important?
Previously, there was no form of active prevention against RSV. Now, vaccination allows for reducing 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 guidelines

Elderly individuals:

  • Annual flu vaccine

  • COVID-19 with boosters

  • Pneumococcal vaccine

  • RSV vaccine

People with comorbidities:

  • Annual flu vaccine

  • COVID-19

  • Pneumococcal vaccine

  • Consider RSV

Pregnant women:

  • Flu vaccine

  • COVID-19 (when indicated)

  • RSV vaccine (for baby protection)

Where to get vaccinated

Through SUS (free):

  • Flu vaccine (annual campaigns)

  • COVID-19 vaccine

  • Pneumococcal vaccine for specific groups

In the private network:

  • More modern pneumococcal vaccines

  • RSV vaccine

  • Expanded versions of the flu vaccine

The 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 vaccine, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and RSV vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and worsening.

Important:
This content is informative in nature and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. To determine which vaccines are indicated in your case, consult a healthcare professional.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335