Which vaccine is specifically recommended for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• A. Influenza vaccine
• B. Pneumococcal vaccine
• C. MMR vaccine
• D. Hepatitis B vaccine

Answer: (B)

Preventing bacterial pneumonia is a priority in COPD management because infections can trigger exacerbations and worsen lung function. The pneumococcal vaccine targets Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria most commonly responsible for pneumonia in adults with chronic lung disease, including COPD. By reducing pneumococcal pneumonia, it lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and death in these patients. While influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended for COPD to prevent flu and its complications, the option focusing on protection against pneumococcus addresses the specific risk of a major bacterial pneumonia in COPD. Vaccines for MMR and Hepatitis B protect against diseases not directly linked to COPD-related complications, so they’re not the targeted choice here.