1. Just chatted to Asthma UK Nurse (4th October), who said the 'general' advice was to 'avoid' the Flu Vaccine while on an Oral Steroid Burst' i.e. Temporary 'High Dose' Oral Steroids, - PLUS - to wait for 2 Weeks After Completing the Pred Burst before having the Vaccine. I mention this in case others are on a Pred Burst - or about to start one. (Makes sense I guess, as Oral Steroids apparently reduce immunity, which, I gather, is why antibiotics are often dished out with Pred). If a Pred Burst applies to you too, then talk to your Medical Advisor about what to do and don't simply go by this, as individual health circumstances may result in different advice.
Omitted to ask whether those on 'smaller' dosages of Oral Steroids should follow the same general Guideline but - 'if' you're due to have the vaccine while using Oral Steroids 'at any dosage' - suggest when attending for your Jab (but before having it) you ask about the risk of 'issues' arising from having Jab -v- risk of 'delayed vaccination' leading to Flu Infection.
2. The Window of Availability for getting the Flu Jab at Doctors / Pharmacists may be 'limited' (don't know this for a fact, but it 'might' be the case, as in some previous flu seasons). Accordingly, 'if' thinking about delaying the vaccination due to a Pred Burst / Other Factors - it's possibly also appropriate to 'consider / ask' how long flu vaccines will be available for.
As mentioned in an earlier Post, you may be aware that there are two vaccines this year, Trivalent (Protection against 3 Strains of Flu) which includes an Immune Booster and is designated for use by everyone over 65 Years Old who chooses to be vaccinated - AND - Quadrivalent (Protection against 4 Strains of Flu) but with no Immune Booster, designated for those under 65 'who qualify' (i.e. due to a variety of Health Risk Factors, including - but not limited to - Chronic Respiratory Diseases such as Asthma etc). Both vaccines are Free 'for those who qualify' (per either of the above).
Those who do 'not' fall within 'either' of the above categories, can still get the Jab by visiting a local pharmacy and 'paying'. A Jab 'might' also be Free for 'some folk' who don't qualify 'per the above', such as those on Benefits etc - but not sure on that point, so please check . Think the Asda Pharmacy Price is around £7. Those under 65 'without' a qualifying Health Condition, who elect to be vaccinated (by paying) will in most cases be offered the 'Quadrivalent' Vaccine.
Believe the Strain of Flu that the Trivalent does 'not' protect against, is a Japanese Flu Strain, which 'might' be a significant risk factor you need to take into consideration if spending time in any location where an outbreak of that strain of flu is already occuring / expected. It's - obviously - 'not' the case that the Japanese Flu Strain 'only applies' to Japan / the Far East (which is why the Quadrivalent Vaccine includes protection from it, for those under 65 'in the UK' who qualify for it, because of Health Issues).
NB: When I last mentioned 'two' Vaccines in an earlier Post, I vaguely recall (erroneously) referencing a '2 Strain' Vaccine and '3 Strain' Vaccine, whereas I should have said '3 Strain' & '4 Strain' (per the above) apologies.
No vaccine this year
Flu injection
