Clinical Portal 2026Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Vaccination in Children with Asthma or Allergy

Most children with asthma or allergy can receive vaccines, but the clinician should know the full allergy history.

Parent GuideReviewed

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)

Asthma or common allergy does not automatically mean vaccines must be avoided. Your child's vaccine plan should be confirmed with your paediatrician using the latest applicable IAP/ACVIP or national guidance.

Can children with asthma or allergy be vaccinated?

Most children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergy, or mild medicine allergy can usually receive routine vaccines after clinician review. The vaccinating doctor should still know the child's allergy history and current asthma control.

Minor allergy versus serious vaccine allergy

Common allergies such as sneezing, eczema, or a mild rash with certain foods are different from a serious allergic reaction after a vaccine. Tell the doctor about any severe previous vaccine reaction, including a reaction that required urgent medical care, before further vaccination.

Asthma control and visit planning

  • Tell the doctor if asthma symptoms are currently active or poorly controlled.
  • Bring the child's asthma medicines and action plan if available.
  • If the child is acutely unwell, the clinician may decide whether to vaccinate that day or reschedule.
  • Do not stop asthma controller medicines before vaccination unless your doctor advises it.

Influenza vaccination discussion

Influenza can be more troublesome in some children with asthma or chronic respiratory disease. Whether and when influenza vaccination is advised should be discussed with the paediatrician using current guidance. This guide does not provide a schedule table.

When individualized review is needed

Tell the doctor about any severe previous vaccine reaction, current asthma control concerns, immune-suppressing medicines, complex chronic illness, or uncertainty about which vaccine caused a reaction. The clinician can advise on the next steps for your child.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide is parent education only. It does not replace medical consultation, allergy assessment, asthma review, vaccine eligibility review, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

  1. Indian Academy of Pediatrics / ACVIP immunization resources.
  2. World Health Organization. Immunization safety resources.
  3. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info allergy and immunisation resources.
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org vaccine guidance.

Last reviewed: 31 May 2026. Status: published, clinician reviewed.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-05-31

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesIndian Academy of Pediatrics / ACVIP. https://iapindia.org/; WHO immunization resources. https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals; Royal Children

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.