If you’re living with asthma and COPD, protecting your lungs through vaccinations, avoiding triggers, and attending check-ups is essential. This guide shares practical ways to keep your breathing strong.
You’re already doing something powerful just by learning about your condition. But to stay well over time, it’s just as important to prevent problems before they start as it is to manage symptoms when they happen.
This article shows you how small actions – like keeping up to date with vaccinations, avoiding triggers, and attending your check-ups (in addition to regular medication and healthy lifestyle habits) – can help protect your lungs, reduce flare-ups, and maintain your independence.
You can read about regular medication and healthy lifestyle habits for asthma and COPD in our other articles linked below:
- Understanding your condition: Asthma, COPD, and Overlap
- Understanding your asthma or COPD medicines
- How to create a personal action plan for asthma or COPD
- Asthma and COPD nutrition
- Breathing exercises for Asthma and COPD
- Best exercises for asthma & COPD
- How eating habits affect breathing: Digestive triggers for asthma and COPD
💉 Vaccinations to support asthma and COPD: Stay protected and reduce flare-ups
Vaccines don’t just protect you from infections – they protect your lungs from serious damage. If you have asthma, COPD or a combination of both, the NHS recommends you stay up to date with:
✅ Flu vaccine
- Offered every autumn/winter via your GP or pharmacy
- Reduces the risk of severe flu, which can trigger life-threatening flare-ups
✅ Pneumococcal vaccine
- Protects against a type of pneumonia
- Usually one dose for adults with COPD or long-term lung conditions
- Available year-round from your GP
✅ COVID-19 vaccine
- Seasonal boosters offered to people with respiratory conditions
- Reduces risk of severe illness, hospital admission and long-term lung damage
💡 These vaccines are free on the NHS and strongly recommended by NICE, BTS, and GOLD guidelines.
It’s completely understandable to have concerns about vaccination – especially if you’ve felt unwell after one in the past. Many people worry about side effects like tiredness, fever, or muscle aches, and it’s natural to think, “I don’t want to go through that again.” But these symptoms are usually a sign your immune system is responding, and they typically only last a day or two.
For people with asthma or COPD, the risk of serious illness from infections like flu, COVID or pneumonia is much higher than the short-term discomfort of a vaccine. Even a mild respiratory infection can trigger a flare-up or lead to hospitalisation in people with sensitive lungs. That’s why vaccines are strongly recommended by the NHS, NICE, and GOLD guidelines – they’re one of the most effective ways to protect your breathing and stay out of hospital.
If you’ve had a tough reaction before, speak to your GP or practice nurse – they can talk through what to expect and help you decide what’s best for you, without pressure.
Don’t wait for a reminder – contact your GP or local pharmacy if you think you’re due.
🌳 Reduce exposure to environmental triggers
Certain things in your environment can irritate or inflame your airways, triggering symptoms or worsening lung damage over time.
🌼 Allergens
Common indoor and outdoor allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Pollen, especially grass or tree pollen. (Many weather forecast sites and apps also mention the pollen count).
- Pet dander
If your symptoms follow a pattern – like worse in spring or around animals – it may be worth exploring allergy testing or strategies to reduce exposure.
💨 Pollution and smoke
Polluted air can inflame sensitive lungs.
Triggers include:
- Cigarette smoke (including second-hand)
- Open fires, wood-burning stoves
- Traffic fumes or industrial emissions
Try to:
- Avoid walking near busy roads during peak hours
- Keep windows closed on high pollution days
- Use extractor fans or ventilation when cooking
📱 Use air quality apps
Staying one step ahead of poor air days can help you plan better.
Top recommended tools:
- UK Air Quality Forecast (DEFRA).
- Plume Labs (now part of AccuWeather)
- AirVisual/IQAir App
Set up alerts for your area so you know when to avoid outdoor exercise or take extra care.
🧪 Occupational risks to watch for
If you work or have worked around dust, fumes, chemicals, or allergens, this may affect your lungs over time.
High-risk jobs may include:
- Construction
- Cleaning (especially spray products)
- Hairdressing (due to dyes and sprays)
- Farming or working with animals
- Welding or factory work
If you’re still working:
- Use protective equipment (e.g. masks, ventilation)
- Let your employer know if you’re affected
- Speak to your GP or occupational health if symptoms worsen at work
📋 Under UK law, your employer has a duty to protect your health.
If you’re retired, your past job history still matters – tell your GP or nurse if you were ever exposed to lung irritants.
📅 Annual asthma and COPD check-ups: Why regular reviews protect your lungs
Everyone with asthma, COPD, or overlap should have an annual check-up with their GP or practice nurse. This is your chance to:
- Review symptoms and flare-ups
- Check inhaler technique
- Update your action plan
- Discuss vaccinations and medications
- Set goals for your lung health
🧠 Behavioural science shows people are more likely to stay well when they feel involved in their care. Bring your questions – it’s your time.
We also recommend that you contact your GP practice after any flare ups- even if your annual review isn’t due. It’s a chance to review your medication and action plan and could be vital in preventing further flare ups or deterioration.
You don’t need to wait for an invitation. Call your practice and ask for your asthma or COPD review if it’s been over 12 months.
Summary: What you can do today
✔️ Check your vaccination status with your GP
✔️ Reduce allergens and pollution exposure where you can
✔️ Download an air quality app and set alerts
✔️ Talk to your GP if you work (or worked) around fumes, dust, or chemicals
✔️ Book your annual respiratory review – even if you feel well
Every small step adds up. By staying informed and involved, you protect your future self and give your lungs the best chance to keep working well for years to come.
If you haven’t already, download the free Evergreen Life app to track your health, including managing your asthma and/or COPD, and get practical tips that help you take control of your overall health.
This article is intended for general education and health coaching support and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is designed to support adults aged 18 years and over living with asthma, COPD, or asthma–COPD overlap in better understanding how to reduce the risk of disease progression and flare-ups through evidence-informed self-management strategies.
The content is based on up-to-date national and international clinical guidelines (including those from NHS, NICE, SIGN, GOLD, and Asthma + Lung UK) and aims to empower users with accessible, practical information. All references are drawn from reputable, evidence-based sources and are clearly cited.
This article should not be used in place of a medical consultation, and is not intended for children or young people under the age of 18.
Always speak to your GP, respiratory nurse, or specialist before starting, changing, or stopping any treatment or management approach – including medications, vaccinations, or lifestyle interventions.
If you experience severe breathlessness, confusion, blue lips or fingers, or symptoms that are not improving with your usual treatment, call 999 immediately.
This resource does not meet the definition of a medical device under UK MHRA regulations. It is not intended for use in diagnosing, prescribing, or making clinical decisions without appropriate professional input.
- NICE COPD in Over 16s: Diagnosis and Management (NG115).
- GOLD 2024 COPD Guidelines.
- NICE, Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (NG245).
- Asthma + Lung UK: Vaccines and Lung Health.
- NHS Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccine Advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/
- UK Air Quality Forecast (DEFRA)
- Asthma + Lung UK: Air Pollution and Lung Health.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Occupational Asthma.
