Which set of vaccines is recommended for COPD patients according to the material?

• A. No vaccines are recommended for COPD.
• B. Only influenza vaccine is recommended.
• C. Pneumococcal vaccine alone is required.
• D. Annual influenza vaccine, PCV20 or PCV15+PPSV23, Tdap, and SARS-CoV-2 boosters are recommended.

Answer: (D)

Vaccination in COPD focuses on preventing infections that commonly trigger exacerbations and serious illness. For COPD patients, an annual influenza vaccine is recommended because influenza frequently leads to hospitalization and worsening of lung function in this group. Pneumococcal protection is also important to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease; options include either a single dose of PCV20 or a sequence of PCV15 followed by PPSV23, depending on the patient’s age and vaccination history. A tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster is advised to protect against pertussis, which can cause prolonged coughing and complicate COPD. Finally, boosters for SARS-CoV-2 are recommended because COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory illness in COPD and immunity can wane over time. Together, these vaccines reduce the risk of respiratory infections, hospitalizations, and mortality in COPD.