Tackling COPD globally: the essential role of immunization – a mini review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and driven by factors such as smoking, environmental exposures and genetic predisposition. It poses a significant global health burden, being the third leading cause of death worldwide with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries and among populations with lower socioeconomic status. COPD patients frequently experience exacerbations, hospitalizations, and comorbidities, leading to reduced quality of life and increased healthcare demands. Vaccination has emerged as a crucial non-pharmacological strategy in COPD management, with pneumococcal, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines shown to reduce respiratory infections, exacerbations, and mortality. This narrative review synthesizes current literature and guideline recommendations on six vaccines in relation to COPD. Despite strong clinical evidence supporting their benefits, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal due to hesitancy, lack of awareness, and limited COPD-specific data for some vaccines. Key research gaps include immunogenicity in high-risk subgroups, evaluation of broader outcomes and strategies to improve coverage across low and middle-income countries. This review highlights the need for tailored vaccination strategies within comprehensive COPD care for better implications for clinical practice, health policy and future research.