According to the CDC, adults over 65, with or without a chronic illness like COPD, are not at high risk for catching the swine flu and are therefore not on the priority list for getting the swine flu vaccine. This is possibly due to people in this age group having acquired a previous immunity to the virus.
The United States government has purchased 250 million doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, so anyone who wants to get the vaccine will have the opportunity to do so. But, there are certain targeted groups who will be given initial, priority access. They include:
- People between the ages of 25 and 64 years who are at high risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health conditions or a weakened immune system. NOTE: This includes anyone who has COPD or other chronic health conditions between the ages of 25 and 64.
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or provide care for children under six months of age
- Health care workers and emergency medical personnel
- People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age
Once the demands for these groups have been met, the CDC recommends that all adults between the ages of 25 and 64 be vaccinated. And, as vaccine supply and demand for younger age groups are met, providers will be offering the swine flu vaccine to all adults 65 years of age and older.
Symptoms of Swine Flu Virus
The following are some common symptoms related to the swine flu virus. If you have COPD and experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your health care provider as soon as possible -- don't wait until your symptoms get worse:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
People With COPD at Risk for Complications From Swine Flu
Most people who get the swine flu generally feel better within a week, but some people -- especially those with COPD and other chronic illnesses -- are prone to suffering complications from it, such as bacterial pneumonia or other serious illnesses, and have to be hospitalized. Some even die. It is for these reasons that health experts recommend that COPD patients obtain a pneumonia vaccine (PPV). For more information, read Deaths From Swine Flu Related to Bacterial Pneumonia.
For up-to-date news about the swine flu vaccine, visit the CDC's website or read Is the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Safe?, brought to you About.com's Guide to Cold and Flu.
