The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has introduced a new COVID-19 Vaccine Decision Aid to help individuals determine whether they should receive the vaccine this year. The tool is supported by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), and the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST).
Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now emphasizes individual decision-making regarding COVID vaccination. In response, AAFA's new decision aid is designed to assist patients with chronic allergic, immunologic, and respiratory diseases in evaluating their options.
Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA, said: “The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread in multiple waves per year and affects people of all ages and health status. People with chronic lung disease have higher odds of serious illness or persistent symptoms (long COVID). Our new tool can be used by anyone who is evaluating their plan to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy.”
Matthew Greenhawt, MD, chief medical officer at AAFA, explained: “This decision aid is a starting point for thinking about a person’s COVID risks and the potential benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe, with only a few common side effects. The decision aid helps you decide if you want to get a COVID vaccine each year, as the CDC now says getting a COVID vaccine is a personal decision. However, the CDC offers limited guidance to inform patient decisions. AAFA, AAAAI, ACAAI, and CHEST are the only organizations to offer a resource to help patients make this decision. We recommend talking with your doctor about your personal situation and how getting vaccinated may help keep you healthy.”
Individuals considered at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID include those over 65 years old or those with underlying conditions such as asthma or cancer. Other risk factors include chronic illnesses like COPD or diabetes; neurological conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease; pregnancy; obesity; being immunocompromised; having undergone an organ transplant; current or former smoking history; mental health conditions; HIV infection; tuberculosis; disabilities; kidney disease; heart disease; cystic fibrosis; or stroke.
Greenhawt added: “The COVID-19 vaccine can be a key part of an overall approach to protecting your health. Complications from COVID can be serious, even life-threatening. Getting the vaccine helps reduce the risk of these complications.”
The decision aid can be downloaded at https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/covid-19-vaccine-decision-aid.pdf or accessed through AAFA’s website at aafa.org/covid. It can be printed or used digitally for step-by-step assessment.
Healthcare providers including hospitals and clinics are encouraged to incorporate this tool into their patient education resources. For integration into electronic health record systems or licensing inquiries, contact AAFA via its website.
Founded in 1953, AAFA focuses on supporting people affected by asthma and allergies through research, education programs, advocacy efforts, support services—including online communities—and partnerships with local groups.
ACAAI represents more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists committed to patient care and research collaboration. AAAAI includes over 7,000 members globally specializing in allergic and immunologic diseases. CHEST serves more than 18,000 members worldwide focused on pulmonary medicine.
For further information about these organizations’ missions or additional resources:
- AAFA: aafa.org
- ACAAI: AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org
- AAAAI: aaaai.org
- CHEST: chestnet.org
Press contact for this release is Andy Spears at gro.afaa@aidem.
