Swine Flu Vaccine and Steroids.

I'm hoping that someone could help me. I have had my first swine flu vaccine today but I have been told that due to the fact I have been on over 40mg of pred for over a month I will require a second vaccine.

I knew that immunosuppressed people needed two jabs ( ie people taking immunosupressant therapy post transplant) but I didn't realise that people on steroids needed two.

Any answers gratefully received before GP stabs me again.

Regards

Emma

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I'm the same. I've been told it's because I am immuno-suppressed because I've been on high dose oral steroids for quite a while. The second one comes four weeks after the fist one.

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My GP practice was only offering my son one Swine Flu jab but his consultant has said he should have 2 as he has been on Pred continuously for over a year now and has rarely been below 20mg (and most of the year on 40mg).

I was told it should be 3 weeks apart tho...

Any more on this would be appreciated as if it is 4 weeks I don't want to go too early!

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Mine said it should be four weeks apart, but I'm actually having mine 3 weeks apart (good thing you reminded me, I'd have forgotten...!) because I'll be away in four weeks for Christmas, and they said this was fine.

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Is it possible to get definitive answer on this one. I am on long term high dose steriod and my surgery said I would only need 1 which I have had. Why is there so much conflicting advice on this one.

Bex

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The patient information leaflet states that:

""Adults and children aged 10 years and over who have an impaired immune system:

You will be given two (0.5ml) doses of the vaccine. The doses will be given at least three weeks apart.""

0.5ml is the full dose, so this is two full doses.

(You can get a pdf of the leaflet if you type ""Pandemrix patient information leaflet"" into Google)

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I take immunosuppressants (Ciclosporin) daily and had my swine flu vaccine last Saturday with no mention of needing a second dose or anything. I'm concerned, should I be getting two doses to give me the correct level of protection? I think I'll mention it to my GP this week to be on the safe side, if anyone has any more info I'd be very grateful to hear it!