Vaccinations for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: What You Need to Know

When you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. It’s not caused by infection, but your lungs are far more vulnerable to them. That’s why vaccinations, preventive shots that train your immune system to fight specific viruses and bacteria. Also known as immunizations, they’re not optional for people with IPF—they’re essential. Every year, people with lung scarring end up in the hospital because they didn’t get a flu shot or pneumococcal vaccine. And most of those cases could’ve been avoided.

People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. It’s not caused by infection, but your lungs are far more vulnerable to them don’t just get sick more often—they get sicker faster. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia. Pneumonia can trigger a rapid decline. And once your lungs are already scarred, there’s little room for error. The influenza virus, a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes seasonal flu. Also known as flu, it’s one of the top reasons IPF patients are hospitalized doesn’t care if you’re taking pirfenidone or nintedanib. It only cares that your lungs can’t fight back. Same goes for Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. Also known as pneumococcus, it’s responsible for half of all bacterial lung infections in people with chronic lung disease. These aren’t theoretical risks. Real people with IPF lose lung function after a single infection.

Which vaccines matter most for IPF?

You need four key shots: the yearly flu vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine (both PCV20 and PPSV23, given at least a year apart), the COVID-19 vaccine (including boosters), and the pertussis (whooping cough) booster. That’s it. No extras. No guesswork. These four are backed by pulmonology guidelines and real-world data. Skip the others. Don’t waste time on vaccines that don’t protect your lungs. The flu shot alone cuts hospitalization risk by nearly 40% in people with lung scarring. The pneumococcal shots reduce pneumonia risk by up to 75%. And if you’ve had a lung transplant or are on immunosuppressants, your doctor might adjust timing—but you still need them.

Some people think, "I’m healthy, I don’t get sick." But IPF isn’t about how you feel today. It’s about what happens when your lungs are under attack. Even mild respiratory infections can cause irreversible damage. That’s why prevention isn’t just smart—it’s survival. You’re not just protecting yourself from a cold. You’re protecting every bit of lung function you still have.

The posts below cover real cases, practical advice, and direct comparisons between medications and treatments used alongside vaccinations for people managing chronic lung conditions. You’ll find clear guidance on what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor next.