Our new report, Protection within reach: improving vaccine uptake among people with lung conditions in England, examines why many people living with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis in England are missing out on vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia, and what would help them to be vaccinated. The report sets out recommendations for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

The challenge 

Respiratory infections are a major cause of avoidable illness and hospital admission among people living with lung conditions, and a significant driver of winter pressure on the NHS. Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent this. Last winter alone, the flu vaccination programme is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions in England. Despite this, fewer than half (47%) of people under 65 with chronic respiratory disease had a flu vaccine in 2025/26.  

With vaccine commissioning moving to ICBs in April 2027, now is the time to get this right. We are calling for a respiratory Modern Service Framework to prioritise vaccination as a core mechanism for the NHS’ shift to a preventative model of care and ensure that everyone living with a lung condition has the same chance to be protected.  

Our findings: 

Based on a YouGov survey of 2,288 adults living with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and/or pulmonary fibrosis in England, the report found: 

• Most survey respondents were not opposed to vaccination; just under one in five who had not been vaccinated cited personal beliefs. 

• Respondents want practical changes: timely reminders, clear information about eligibility, several vaccines in one visit and walk-in options. 

• The NHS is highly trusted, with 84% of respondents trusting it as a source of vaccine information. 

• Booking preferences differ by age and background; people from ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to report information related barriers and time pressures as reasons for non-vaccination, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to cite personal beliefs or that ‘nothing influenced’ decision making. 

“I intend to have it, just not got around to it” – Survey respondent

Our recommendations: 

Make respiratory vaccination a national prevention priority 

• The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, or its successor body, should commit to the development and implementation of a respiratory Modern Service Framework ahead of the transfer of vaccine commissioning responsibility in April 2027.
• The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, or its successor body, should communicate respiratory vaccines as a clear priority within NHS prevention and winter planning programmes.
• NHS England, or its successor body, and the UK Health Security Agency should publish vaccine uptake rates among people with lung conditions, broken down by ICB, condition, deprivation and ethnicity.
• Healthcare professionals should routinely discuss vaccination with people living with lung conditions as a standard part of annual reviews, medication reviews and other respiratory care interactions.

Improve access to, and convenience of, vaccination 

• Integrated Care Boards should ensure vaccination appointments are available through a range of delivery models, including evenings, weekends, and walk-in services where appropriate.
• The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, or its successor body, should expand opportunities for pharmacies to deliver a wider range of respiratory vaccinations as Advanced Services in the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework.
• People with lung conditions should be able to access vaccine eligibility information, reminders and booking through a single, easy-to-use service. The planned MyVaccines addition to the NHS app should support both patients and carers, helping ensure eligible vaccinations are not missed.

Strengthen communication and engagement  

• The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, or its successor body, should ensure national vaccination campaigns give greater prominence to eligibility criteria and communicate any changes clearly and in good time. They should also support ICBs to deliver local campaigns tailored to their populations, and give healthcare professionals clear, timely guidance on vaccine eligibility ahead of each winter season and whenever eligibility changes.
• Integrated Care Boards should develop targeted engagement plans for communities where confidence in vaccines, awareness of eligibility and vaccine uptake is lower, including people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic minorities.

For more information about the report, its findings or recommendations, please contact the Taskforce Secretariat at taskforce@asthmaandlung.co.uk.