Advice re azithromycin and vaccine please

[Jackietickle]

Hi everyone

I think I read something a while back about the COVID vaccine not being effective if you are taking antibiotics. As I take azithromycin on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday every week I don’t know if I need to stop them for a while before my second jab which is due tomorrow. When I had my first jab I didn’t know about the problem and just went ahead as usual and I had no reaction to the jab whatsoever. I wondered if this meant that it was ineffective. I meant to ask my GP if I should stop taking the antibiotics for a while but had a fair bit going on and forgot about it until now. I am worried now that I won’t get the protection I need. Does anyone know the answer - I would be reassured if you do. I’m already nervous as I have only been out once (jab1) since Feb 2020. Thank you

[Hidden]

I would think the same applies as that when you had your first jab assuming you sought advice then.

If you are unsure do check with your own doctor regarding your individual situation.

antibioticresearch.org.uk/a...

antibioticresearch.org.uk/i...

I would say you should not stop your medications until you first speak with your doctor regardless as doing so could put you more at risk*.

*(as would not having the 2nd dose of the vaccine).

Likewise because someone else's doctor advised their patient one thing doesn't mean same information is right for you.

You could:

Telephone consult with your GP or respiratory specialist.

Telephone the BLF helpline tomorrow blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

You could read its ok or hear that other people were told it is ok but to be sure for your own peace of mind check with those who know your medical history and situation.

[Hidden]

You may also wish to read this post:

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Linjones]

I'm on the same antibiotics 1 three times a week as well. I asked this question to the person giving the jab on the first and second jab. Both times I was told it's fine. Only having three pills a week isn't like a full blown weekly course of antibiotics. They seemed to know what they were talking about. Hope this helps.

[Izb1]

Most of the sites say you are ok to have the vaccine whilst on antibiotics unless you have a fever. I would ask at the centre when you go for your jab, they will know x

[Jackietickle]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I feel more reassured now. I did manage to speak to a go at my surgery yesterday although someone I hadn’t spoken to before who didn’t know me personally. She seemed to imply that the vaccine would be OK to take but may not be as effective if on antibiotics. But if I stopped taking them I would risk getting pneumonia, even though I have only been out once in the last 13 months apart from first vaccine and don’t intend going out now for at least 3 weeks. She more or less said I need an or I would get ill and I need jab or I would get ill so no help there really!

It’s far more reassuring to hear from people on this supportive site who are in the same situation as me. Thank you so much.

[B0xermad]

Hi Jackietickle I am on azithromycin and had the astra zeneca vaccine in February and was told by my gp all is ok to have it.

[sassy59]

Hi Jackietickle, Pete takes azithromycin three times a week and has had both jabs now. He didn’t stop taking his antibiotic and hopefully the vaccine has worked well for him. Xxx

[Lol1944]

When I started on this thrice weekly my consultant advised me it was being used as an anti inflammatory rather than an antibiotic

[Jackietickle]

Hi guys

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate all your knowledgeable replies and support. I just LOVE this site.❤️