@sharonp51 The high test flu shot is specifically designed for those over 65 because people in this category have an immune system that may need a jump start. The human body should respond to a vaccine by producing antibodies. The high test shot is supposed to encourage the immune system to do that. That’s the only kind my husband and I receive. We are in our 70’s. irene5

I'm not 65 yet but need to know how this effects people with overactive immune systems?

I had my "first ever" regular flu shot last year and developed problems with dupytrens contracture the next day which comes and goes now and one of my nurses said the same thing happened to her.

Windwalker This question has to do with flu shots and prednisone and MAC. I have just been prescribed prednisone oral tablets for a rotator cuff and neck inflammation issue and have read that prednisone will suppress my immune system and can cause vaccinations to actually activate the problem that they are designed to prevent. I wonder if I should be concerned about taking the prednisone. Has anyone been prescribed prednisone while dealing with MAC and a lowered immune system. I am confused about whether to proceed.
Thanks to any and all who can shed some light on this issue.

I am confused about what you are asking here: "suppress my immune system and can cause vaccinations to actually activate the problem that they are designed to prevent" – if you mean the flu shot will make the rotator cuff issue worse, or give you the flu?

According to my primary, if you are on prednisone and get a flu shot, your "immune reaction" to the shot will be suppressed, and it is believed the shot is less effective (since the purpose is to provoke an immune response.) So if the steroid was short-term, she always recommended that I wait to get immunizations until 2 weeks after finishing them. @windwalker, can you weigh in here?

There have been discussions here about using steroids while you have MAC (especially if you are also on the meds) – but for some of us with other issues, it is a matter of weighing the risks and benefits – for me, sometimes they are essential to stop an intractable asthma exacerbation. Or to deal (via injection) with an intolerable arthritis flareup.

When one deals with multiple medical issues, it is really important that each practitioner is fully aware of all that is going on, and even better if you have a good primary caregiver monitoring you. I have found that especially with ortho issues, I need to be an educator about what is or is not OK given my lung issues.

Sue

@sueinmn That is correct. It is not advisable to have a flu shot while on prednisone for the reasons you stated. Other types of steroid injections are ok – Ex. Steroid back injections. I have been a “frequent flyer” for steroid shots although not more than the recommended number per year. I had to get approved from my ID doctor at Vanderbilt. Prednisone goes internally as an oral med. Steroid shots are given as an epidural medication which targets a specific area. irene5

Sueinmn Thank you for your reply. I greatly appreciate it.

There is a new flu shot this year called quad for short. It protects against 4 strains of flu while the regular vaccine protects against 3. For seniors, is it better to get the high intensity shot or the flu quad,?

@rits There is now a high test quad flu shot for seniors! ( over 65) irene5

I just asked my doctor about but won’t be available here until early October. How are others deciding on the best timing for getting their shot? Do you get it early or try to hold off to get keep higher immunity for the late winter?

@mrf5629 It is possible to get two flu shots. My doctor recommends that for me. Then you are covered for the whole season. irene5

Thanks. How do you time them?

@mrf5629 My doctor has me get one in September or October and then again in the new year (January). I just let my doctor make the two appointments. irene5

In R I the flu season peaks in December and January but lasts until April. My doc recommends getting it in early to mid October to be covered through the spring. So I think it depends on what part of the country you are in and how far into the winter/ spring season the flu usually extends.