Before Winter Arrives: How Vaccines Can Help Protect Against Serious Respiratory Illness

As summer begins to wind down, it is a good time to start thinking about the respiratory illnesses that become more common during fall and winter. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it an ideal opportunity to review recommended vaccines and discuss how they can help protect you and your family.

Cold weather itself does not cause respiratory infections, but fall and winter bring conditions that can make it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread. People spend more time indoors, respiratory viruses circulate more widely, and illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, can place significant strain on the respiratory system.

For most healthy people, an infection may mean several uncomfortable days at home. For others, especially people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an infection can become much more serious.

Why Vaccination Matters

Vaccines are among the most important achievements in modern medicine. They work by preparing the immune system to recognize specific viruses or bacteria before an infection occurs.

Rather than causing the disease they are designed to prevent, vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop a protective response. If you are later exposed to the infectious organism, your immune system can respond more quickly and effectively.

Vaccination does not guarantee that you will never become infected. However, vaccines can reduce the likelihood of severe disease, complications and hospitalization for many vaccine-preventable infections.

In some cases, the benefit may not be obvious. An infection that might otherwise have resulted in prolonged fever, severe coughing or a hospital visit could instead cause a shorter and milder illness.

Like all medical treatments, vaccines can cause side effects. Most are temporary and mild, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or a low-grade fever. The potential benefits and risks should be considered alongside the risks associated with the infection itself.

Respiratory Illness Can Be More Serious for People With Lung Conditions

Respiratory infections can be particularly concerning for people who already have breathing problems.

Viruses can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms of COPD. Every fall and winter, healthcare systems often see increases in emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to respiratory infections.

Although vaccines are not available for every virus that causes respiratory illness, vaccination can help protect against several important respiratory infections.

Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 can all cause severe disease, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant people and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions.

For people with chronic lung disease, preventing or reducing the severity of an infection can be especially important.

Flu Vaccines Are Updated Regularly

Influenza viruses change frequently, which is one reason the flu vaccine is updated regularly.

Annual vaccination helps provide protection against influenza strains expected to circulate during the upcoming season. Even if you received a flu vaccine during a previous season, protection can change over time, and the circulating viruses may also be different.

Getting vaccinated before influenza activity increases can help give your immune system time to develop protection.

COVID-19 Vaccines Continue to Evolve

COVID-19 viruses also continue to evolve. Updated vaccines are developed as needed to help maintain protection against currently circulating strains and reduce the risk of serious illness.

Protection can decrease over time, which is why updated or additional doses may be recommended for certain people.

Recommendations can depend on factors such as age, previous vaccination, previous infection and medical conditions. Rather than relying on information from social media or outdated articles, speak with a healthcare professional about which recommendations apply to you.

RSV Protection Can Help Those at Higher Risk

RSV is another respiratory virus that can cause significant illness.

RSV vaccines and other preventive options are available for specific groups, including pregnant women and certain older adults. Some adults ages 18 through 59 who have an increased risk of severe RSV disease may also qualify for vaccination.

For infants, maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to the newborn during the early months of life.

Because recommendations can change as new evidence becomes available, families should discuss current RSV prevention options with their healthcare professional.

Do Not Forget About Bacterial Infections

Respiratory illness is not caused only by viruses. Bacteria can also lead to serious infections.

Pneumococcal bacteria are an important cause of bacterial pneumonia, and vaccines are available to reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease in recommended groups.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is another vaccine-preventable respiratory infection. It can cause intense coughing that lasts for weeks or even months.

The cough can become so severe that it interferes with sleep, eating and everyday activities. In some cases, prolonged coughing can lead to complications, including broken ribs.

Vaccination can help prevent pertussis and reduce the risk of severe disease.

Talk With Your Doctor Before Fall

National Immunization Awareness Month is a useful reminder to review your vaccination status before respiratory viruses begin circulating more widely.

If you have asthma, COPD or another chronic respiratory condition, ask your healthcare professional whether you are up to date on vaccines recommended for you. Parents and caregivers should also discuss age-appropriate vaccines for children.

If you have questions or concerns about vaccine safety, do not rely solely on information shared online. Vaccine misinformation and disinformation can make it difficult to separate established medical evidence from misleading claims.

Your doctor, allergist or other qualified healthcare professional can consider your medical history, medications, allergies, age and individual risk factors when discussing vaccination.

The goal is not to eliminate every possibility of getting sick. Instead, vaccination is one tool that can help your immune system prepare for infections before they happen.

As fall approaches, a few minutes spent reviewing your vaccination needs could help reduce the risk of serious respiratory illness during the months ahead.

Sources

1. HealthDay News, “Winter Is Coming: How Vaccines Help Protect Against Respiratory Illness,” by Dr. David Stukus, MD, medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm., Aug. 14, 2026.
2. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, resources on asthma, allergies and respiratory health.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current immunization and respiratory virus guidance.

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Vaccine recommendations can vary based on age, health conditions, pregnancy status, previous vaccination, medications and other individual factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice about vaccines or any medical condition. Statistical information and general medical guidance do not necessarily apply to every individual.