Md. Shahjada Tabrez1, Md. Khairul Hassan Jessy2, Mahboba Akther3, Mohammed Shahedur Rahman Khan2, Bashir Ahmed2, Bulbul Parveen4

Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially vulnerable to viral and bacterial
pulmonary infections. These are major causes of exacerbations, hospitalization, disease progression and
mortality in COPD patients. Exacerbations are associated with poorer health outcomes. The seasonal
influenza virus is a common viral pathogen in COPD exacerbations. The presence of COPD is a major risk
factor for pneumonia. Smoking (the most common cause of COPD) is an important risk factor to suffer from
invasive pneumococcal disease. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of community
acquired pneumonia, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevention of influenza
and pneumococcai related exacerbation of COPD is therefore important. The evidence suggests that
pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can prevent community-acquired pneumonia and acute
exacerbations in COPD patients. Pneumococcal vaccination early in the course of COPD can help to
maintain stable health status. This article describes clinical efficacy of influenza and pneumococcal
vaccination to reduce the burden of respiratory infections and acute exacerbations in COPD patients.
Respiratory physicians need to communicate the benefits of vaccination more effectively to their patients
who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine.
Abbreviations: CAP= Community Acquired Pneumonia, LRTI= Lower Respiratory Tract Infection, AECOPD=
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

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