Immunosuppressed and flu vaccine

Posted by sassysaveur @sassysaveur, Sep 27 11:44am

I have been on prednisone (and Actemra) for GCA for 7 months and still tapering off. My doctor reminded me last visit to get a flu vaccine and maybe even a Covid vaccine. He did not think being immunosuppressed would be a reason not to take vaccines. Has anyone on Prednisone been advised to take or not take a vaccine?

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missy245 Per | @missy245 | Sep 27 1:04pm

I think the caution comes in when the vaccine is a live vaccine
Those should be avoided if you are "immunosuppressed"
The flu and covid vaccines are not live and so you can safely take those.

westwoman3698 | @westwoman3698 | Sep 27 1:15pm

I’m not on prednisone currently, but have been over years. Never had any medical advice against vaccines. Entirely opposite. Drs insist I get all vaccines, boosters available every year. Just got updated COVID and flu for elderly, pneumonia, am current on RSV, shingles, mmr, Tdap. But that’s me. I hope you hear from others in this group soon. Best wishes.

gailcha | @gailcha | Sep 28 9:22am

Just talked to my rheumy about this. I’m on prednisone and Actrema. Yes to flu vaccine but not live one. The injection is okay but not the nasal mist - that has the live one.

sassysaveur | @sassysaveur | Sep 28 1:02pm

Thank you. Did your doc also recommend a Covid vaccine?

gailcha | @gailcha | Sep 29 7:31am

In reply to @sassysaveur "Thank you. Did your doc also recommend a Covid vaccine?" + (show)

@sassysaveur
No, but I did not ask.

Lara K | @larak | Sep 29 8:14am

I don't get either, but I'm 57. My calculus on the risks of the vaccines vs. making a bout of COVID less severe may change as I age.

renee17 | @renee17 | Sep 29 8:29am

I spoke to my doc anout this yesterday. I am on methotrexate and he advised me to get the flu shot but skip my usual methotrexate round for a week or two to ensure that the shot is effective.

jw9 | @jw9 | Sep 29 6:16pm

I have been immune compromised for 10 years on a biologic for RA. My rheumatologist has told me this is WHY I should get flu vaccines, and Covid too. He advises against Shingles vaccines as they are live virus. I agree with @missy245 !

sassysaveur | @sassysaveur | Sep 29 7:48pm

Thank you. I am anxious as this is my first time on an immunosuppressant and I could not understand how the vaccine can rev up the antibodies when the inflammatory response is being suppressed. But I guess it is recommended.
Do you pause your medication before the vaccine?

missy245 Per | @missy245 | Sep 29 10:17pm

In reply to @gailcha "Just talked to my rheumy about this. I’m on prednisone and Actrema. Yes to flu vaccine..." + (show)

@gailcha Yes, the flu mist, the one given in your nose is live and shouldn't be taken.

RE shingles. From the CDC "• An older shingles vaccine called Zostavax was a live attenuated vaccine.
• Availability: Zostavax was discontinued and is no longer available in the United States as of 2020."
The Shingrix vaccine is not a live vaccine. It is given in 2 shots

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