Everyone above the age of 18 is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. But certain health conditions require a doctor’s advice for vaccination. COVID-19 affects people by different factors, including age, obesity, and certain medical conditions. To protect yourself from COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated and it is also said people with asthma are more likely to contract COVID-19 infection. At the same time, some doctors are refusing to vaccinate asthma patients. 

Australia is currently in Phase 1b which includes quarantine and border workers, aged people, frontline health care workers and also includes the following. 

  • Currently employed critical and high-risk workers ( including defense, fire, police, and emergency services) 
  • People aged 70 years and over 
  • People aged 80 years and over
  • Adults with underlying medical conditions and disability 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ages 50 and above 

Asthma patients do not qualify under phase 1b, but patients with severe asthma are considered. In Australia, the rate of severe asthma is less than 4%, so the majority of the population won’t fall under the “severe asthma” category. Severe asthma is counted when you take a high-dose preventer (inhaled corticosteroid) every day. If you still need to use your inhaler reliever puffer for more than a week, it is considered severe asthma. Asthma is also counted as severe if you have an asthma attack, even having your medications correctly.   

Vaccination Criteria For Asthma People 

The eligibility criteria for getting vaccinated differ from the community, state, and country. People can check with your state health departments or can also visit nearby hospitals. 

Many states in the U.S give preference to people with underlying medical conditions that raise the risk of serious coronavirus infection. Meanwhile, in some states in the U.S, doctors and hospitals decide whether people with asthma should be included in this category. 

Which COVID-19 vaccine is best for people with asthma?

Dr. Grayson says people can choose any available vaccine. People should not compare Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The best vaccine is the one you get sooner. 

Side Effects of the Vaccine for Asthma Patients 

Asthma patients will experience the same mild side effects as others. The side effects include headache, sore arm, chills, fatigue, and fever. These side effects are normal because the body builds protection against the virus. Asthma patients can stay in the same place where they got vaccinated for about 15 to 30 minutes. So, if you get any allergic reaction, you can get medical help immediately. Seasonal allergies to food, latex, and triggers are normal, but if you experience severe allergic reactions, you should consult a doctor. 

Only through vaccination can we achieve “herd immunity.” While you wait for your turn to get vaccinated, wear a mask, maintain at least 6 feet social distance, and wash your hands often with soap and water.