Introduction
Most of us think vaccines are only for babies. But adults, especially those above 50 and those with asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease, need vaccines too. In my practice, I have seen many serious pneumonias that could have been prevented with a simple injection.
Here is a clear guide to the most important lung-protecting vaccines.
Why Adults Need Vaccines
As we age, our immunity naturally weakens. Long-term illnesses like diabetes, COPD, asthma and kidney disease weaken it further. A chest infection that a young person shakes off in a week can put an older person in the ICU.
The American Lung Association notes that adults aged 50 and older are 6.4 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia than adults aged 18–491, and that people with COPD, asthma, diabetes or heart disease face higher risk.
1Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
What it protects against: Seasonal flu, which can lead to pneumonia, asthma attacks, COPD flare-ups and even heart attacks.
Who should take it:
- Everyone above 50 (and ideally above 65 at minimum)
- People with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart or kidney disease
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare workers
- Children, as advised by the paediatrician
How often: Every year, because the flu virus keeps changing.
Best time in Chennai: Our flu season is different from North India. Research shows Chennai's flu activity peaks in the late monsoon, around October–November2, and Indian expert recommendations suggest vaccinating Chennai residents around September–October3. Protection takes about 2 weeks to build up. If you have missed this window, taking it later is still better than not taking it at all.
2Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
What it protects against: The pneumococcus germ, one of the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia, blood infection and meningitis.
Who should take it: The US CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults aged 50 years or older, and younger adults with certain risk conditions4. These risk conditions include chronic lung disease such as COPD and asthma, smoking, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease5.
How many doses: It depends on the vaccine type. With the newer conjugate vaccines (such as PCV20 or PCV21), a single dose usually completes the course6. If an older type (PCV15) is used, a second vaccine (PPSV23) is given a year later. Your doctor will choose based on your history and what is available in India.
3RSV Vaccine (Newer)
What it protects against: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which causes cold-like illness in young people but can cause severe pneumonia in older adults and those with lung or heart disease.
Who should take it: The CDC recommends a single dose for all adults aged 75 and older, and adults aged 50–74 at increased risk7, including those with COPD, asthma, heart disease or complicated diabetes.
How often: Currently just one dose; it is not a yearly vaccine8.
Availability and cost in India may vary, so please discuss with your doctor whether it is right for you.
4Tdap (Whooping Cough) Vaccine
What it protects against: Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Whooping cough in adults can cause a severe cough lasting weeks, and adults can pass it to newborn babies.
Who should take it: Adults who have not had it, pregnant women (to protect the newborn), and grandparents who will be caring for a new baby. A booster is generally advised every 10 years.
5COVID-19 Vaccine
Follow the latest government and doctor advice regarding booster doses, especially if you are elderly or have chronic lung disease.
6BCG and TB
BCG is given at birth in India and protects young children from severe forms of TB. It does not fully protect adults, so early testing for persistent cough remains important.
Quick Reference Table
| Vaccine | Who | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Flu | 50+, chronic illness, pregnant women | Every year (Sept–Oct in Chennai) |
| Pneumococcal | 50+, or younger with risk conditions | Usually once (depends on type) |
| RSV | 75+, or 50–74 with risk conditions | Once |
| Tdap | Adults, pregnancy, carers of newborns | Booster every 10 years |
| COVID-19 | As per current guidance | As advised |
Common Myths
"The flu vaccine gives you the flu." No. The injectable flu vaccine does not contain live virus. Some people feel mild body ache or a sore arm for a day; this is the immune system responding, not the flu.
"I am healthy, so I don't need vaccines." Age itself is a risk factor. Many healthy 60-year-olds land in hospital with pneumonia.
"Can I take two vaccines on the same day?" In most cases, yes. Your doctor will guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Can I take vaccines if I have diabetes or high BP?
Yes. In fact, people with these conditions benefit the most.
Q2.Are these vaccines safe for COPD and asthma patients?
Yes, and strongly recommended. Infections are the most common cause of COPD and asthma flare-ups.
Q3.Where can I get adult vaccines in Chennai?
Most hospitals, chest clinics and many pharmacies offer adult vaccines. Please consult your doctor first to choose the right ones.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Bottom Line
A few vaccines can save you from a hospital stay, a long recovery, or worse. If you are above 50 or have a lung, heart or sugar problem, please ask your doctor about an adult vaccination plan this year.
Sources & references
- Adults aged 50 and older are 6.4 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia than adults aged 18–49 lung.org/media/press-releases/updated-cdc-recommendations-aim-to-help-…
- Chennai's flu activity peaks in the late monsoon, around October–November pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12575404/
- Vaccinating Chennai residents around September–October pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7703812/
- All adults aged 50 years or older, and younger adults with certain risk conditions cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html
- Chronic lung disease such as COPD and asthma, smoking, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/risk-indications.html
- A single dose usually completes the course cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html
- A single dose for all adults aged 75 and older, and adults aged 50–74 at increased risk cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/adults.html
- Just one dose; it is not a yearly vaccine cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/adults.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan, M.D.
Dr. Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan is a Consultant Pulmonologist in Chennai.
This article is for general awareness. Vaccine choice and timing should be decided with your doctor based on your health history.
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Online articles can support awareness, but they cannot replace an individual medical assessment.