Hello! Have you received your annual flu shot?

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks,2 days away. Flu vaccines take an average of two weeks to kick in and be fully effective. Protecting your lungs is especially important for BNTM patients. This preventative measure can go a long way- this can save you time, money, pharmacy visits, doctors appointments, labs, etc. 

Below is a a  🫁💉 2026–27 FLU VACCINE GUIDE FOR THE BRONCHIECTASIS & NTM COMMUNITY

Did you know there are different types of flu vaccines?

The information below is general education, not medical advice. Verify current 2026–27 details with the CDC⁠ or a healthcare professional.

💉 WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

🔹 Standard-dose flu vaccine
Traditional injectable flu vaccine. Available for many age groups. 

🔹 Cell-based flu vaccine
Made using animal cell culture rather than eggs. 

🔹 Recombinant flu vaccine — Flublok
Made using recombinant technology rather than growing influenza virus in eggs. 

🔹 High-dose flu vaccine — Fluzone High-Dose
Designed for adults 65 and older. It contains more antigen than the standard-dose vaccine to produce a stronger immune response.

🔹 Adjuvanted flu vaccine — Fluad
Also designed for adults 65+. It contains an adjuvant, an ingredient intended to strengthen the body’s immune response to vaccination. 

🔹 Nasal spray — FluMist
A live-attenuated influenza vaccine for certain healthy people in specified age groups. It is not the routine choice for everyone and has important restrictions. 

If a preferred or enhanced vaccine is not available, ask a healthcare professional whether you should receive another age-appropriate flu vaccine rather than delay vaccination.

🥚 WHAT IF I HAVE AN EGG ALLERGY?

People with egg allergies can generally receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age.

🫁 WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE WITH BRONCHIECTASIS/NTM ASK?

When you make your flu-shot appointment, ask:

“Which 2026–27 flu vaccines are currently available, and which one is most appropriate for me given my age, health history, and lung disease?”

Remember:

➡️ Flu vaccination is generally recommended every year.
➡️ Flu can be particularly serious for people with chronic lung disease.
➡️ Flu vaccines cannot cause influenza.
➡️ The goal isn’t just preventing the flu — it’s helping protect vulnerable lungs from potentially serious complications.
➡️ Vaccine products, approvals, recommendations, and availability can change, so verify current information with the CDC or a healthcare professional.

Protect your lungs. Protect your community. Always discuss your individual vaccine choice with your healthcare professional.

It is not too late to get the flu shot! Please consider making an appointment today if you have not already done so. Stay safe and let’s try to make the best of the months ahead. 😍