Anyone know if you're eligible for the flu jab if you're on hydroxychloroquine? I.e. does it count as an immunosuppressant?
Last year I paid for the flu jab privately as I wasn't diagnosed with anything at the time or on any serious medication, and I'll do that again if I'm not eligible on the NHS, but just wondered.
Thanks in advance
Lucy xx
You should be entitled to it due to the lupus I think? Tho I have been diagnosed yrs and still had to fight the receptionist to get it! But the gps usually just stabbed me themselves. It's a weird one. I don't think hydroxychloroquine is classed as an actual immunosuppressant it's more the Azathioprine, methotrexate etc I could be wrong tho!
Probably not much help tho sorry!
Thanks no that does help. Problem is I don't yet have a clear diagnosis, rheumy is saying I have an autoimmune disease 'in the lupus/sjogrens family', but won't actually label it. I know she wants to be sure but sometimes a clear diagnosis really helps!
Tell me about it! I started age 21 and am now 37 and only last few yrs have been labelled! Each time I go now I seem to have aquired more weird antibodies!
If u are on steroids u should get it too I think u just have to get past the reception! X
Hi LuckyJC , could you contact your rheumatologist and ask them to write to your GP asking them to give you a flu jab?
I get it every year though sometimes it doesn't work cause there's different flus and such, never effected me badly getting the flu jab and all the others, it's a dead virus it's the live ones I think are more dangerous
Hi , if you have a lupus diagnosis you should be entitled to the free injection. I didn't have trouble getting it, just be firm and say you are in the at risk group. 😀
I used to have it before diagnosis and just on hydroxychloroquine. If the receptionist says no then insist on talking to the dr. Any autoimmune condition puts you at higher risk
See the advice on Lupus UK. The flu jab is free for all Lupus patients in the UK
Hi all you don't actually qualify for the flu jab under the lupus diagnosis you only qualify because you take the tablets which cause you to be immunosuppressed which is on the criteria if you tell any surgery you are that you will get it as that meets the NHS England criteria 
Lupus DOES qualify you for the flu jab as it puts you in the 'at risk' category.
I just checked the list on NHS website and it's not a listed condition I can't post the screen shot for some reason
Hi Hidden , you are correct that lupus is not specifically listed, but it is not possible to list the full range of symptoms that are considered as 'at risk'. Lupus is a condition that qualifies for a free flu vaccination however.
P.S. Can you please avoid the use of strong language of the site. We want this forum to be accessible and friendly for everybody.
My
Apologies I haven't used any strong language I've just pressed the star key without realising ! I wouldn't use strong language I don't swear should of checked it back very sorry
Actually I edited your post with the **** to remove the strong language. It's fine though, I just wanted to let you know our policy
I typed screenshot and it changed it to screen .... not that I have to explain as you clearly don't want to accept this so I will happily remove myself from this forum it appears people can't make mistakes they actively are judged
Hi Hidden , as HazelW has said, anybody with a diagnosis of lupus should be eligible for a free flu jab because they are in the 'at risk' category - lupusuk.org.uk/flu-vaccinat...
I just checked the NHS criteria list on their website and lupus isn't listed
Hi just seen your post. Only recently diagnosed with small nerve neurothapy. Doctor gave me mine on routine visit. Like you I was wondering if I should. She answered the question for me Although I am not on the med. you're on
Yes definitely I've had my flu jab and my pneumonia jab about 3 weeks ago which I have to have every 5 years. I'm on hydroxycloriquine and methotrexate. Just ring your Drs and get booked in they are doing the jabs now, I just mentioned the pneumonia when she was doin the flu jab so I had one in each arm. Hurt for a few days but so far no flu 👍🏻
I get a reminder from my gp every year but only since I turned 60. I'm 69 now, I thought age was involved too. Only had the jab 3 times as hydroxychloroquine has done its job for me over the last 11 years and I didnt feel I needed it. I got flu and laryngitis regularly before my lupus diagnosis and treatment....not poorly so much now but its not down to any flu jabs, plus I dont get out much to come into contact with the viruses
I'm in the USA and the flu shot is recommended for autoimmune patients (along with the 5-yr pneumonia shot). I have SLE and Sjogrens and take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine).
I always ask for the quadrivalent (4-strain) variety and the last two years have gotten the intradermal quadrivalent flu vaccine (which is wonderful since there is no resulting arm soreness as is experiences with the regular shot).
I got my vaccine last week. No issues or side effects.
I am from Michigan and get both.
I started on flu jab last year, i have sjogrens and white cell counts low. I asked GP and there wasnt a probelm. I think it worth phoning and asking. Getting this years on Monday. Good luck 😀
I am on hydroxychloroquine and have my flu jab done at my health clinic every year, in fact they have just txt me a reminder, hope this helps.
With all autoimmune diseases you are entitiled to the flu jab. Was thinking of getting it myself.
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