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Preparing for the Fall: Time for Your Annual Vaccines

As September rolls in, we unofficially enter the respiratory virus season, marking an important time to prioritize health and vaccination. The American Lung Association (ALA) underscores the essentiality of discussing and receiving annual vaccinations as a preventative measure against respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that can have serious consequences for health.

Understanding the Impact of Respiratory Viruses

Each year, respiratory viruses result in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, disrupting individuals' work, school, and family time. According to the CDC’s data from the previous influenza season, the statistics are staggering:

• - 32 million illnesses recorded
• - 390,000 hospitalizations
• - 24,000 deaths

During the extended respiratory virus season from October 2025 to July 2026, there were millions of COVID-19 outpatient visits, with significant hospitalizations, and approximately 2.8 million outpatient visits due to RSV, leading to 340,000 hospitalizations.

The numbers reveal a potent truth: vaccination can significantly help mitigate the risk of severe illness. The ALA's president, Harold Wimmer, emphasizes, “Vaccines are available and effective in keeping people healthy, active, and out of the hospital.” This message resonates particularly with those who have pre-existing lung conditions.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Vaccination is vital, especially for an estimated 35 million individuals in the U.S. living with lung diseases such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is crucial for those individuals as respiratory infections can exacerbate existing symptoms. As families prepare for winter and the holiday season, staying informed about vaccinations can be a protective measure for loved ones.

To combat respiratory viruses effectively, the ALA recommends the following vaccines:

• - Flu Vaccine: It’s recommended for everyone aged six months and older annually.
• - COVID-19 Vaccine: Discuss the COVID-19 vaccination with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals six months and older.
• - RSV Vaccine: Adults aged 50 to 74 at risk of severe illness due to chronic lung or heart disease and all adults aged 75 or older should consider obtaining an RSV vaccine if they have yet to do so.

Risks for Individuals with Lung Disease

For the millions living with asthma, flu, COVID-19, and RSV pose a severe threat. Studies indicate that respiratory viruses are responsible for up to 80% of asthma attack triggers. Furthermore, asthmatic adults face a higher risk of developing pneumonia after being infected with the flu.

People suffering from lung cancer are also at increased risk due to their compromised bodily functions, which makes them more susceptible to viral infections. Complications may arise quickly, leading to severe conditions such as pneumonia or hospitalization. Similarly, those living with COPD need to recognize the risks associated with respiratory infections, which can lead to exacerbations that worsen symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing.

Educating About Vaccinations

The ALA's initiative aims at enhancing awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases to minimize severe illness and hospitalizations. Key strategies include:

• - Distributing reliable and science-based information on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
• - Raising awareness of respiratory virus surveillance trends for the upcoming season.
• - Educating the public about risk factors that exacerbate symptoms and lead to hospitalization from respiratory viruses, especially for those with lung conditions.
• - Encouraging discussions with healthcare providers about potential risks and preventative strategies.

Conclusion

As we prepare for the season filled with respiratory virus threats, it is crucial to take actionable steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Engaging with healthcare providers about vaccinations stands as one of the most effective ways to reduce hospitalizations and severe health complications. For more information on vaccines and respiratory health, visit Lung.org/vaccines. Together, we can shield ourselves and our loved ones from the challenging fall weeks ahead.

Support for this campaign was made possible by Moderna.