Flu jab

[Jacqui296]

Is it safe for us Lupus sufferers to have the flu jab? I have it every year, as even a cold goes straight to my chest and I got pneumonia again this year! So I was just wondering what others thought about this.

[misty14]

Hi Jacquie

It is safe and important to have the flu jab . Specially so in your case as you've already had pneumonia from a cold!. Flu for us could give us a serious illness with complications so anything we can do to minimise risks has to be worth it. I don't like having the jab as I usually flare after but my doctors say it's goid sign. that your immune system is working and flu would be far worse!. Hope that's helpful. X

[eekt in reply to misty14]

Hi there! Also Paul the Administrator updated his great post for this year:

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

There was a thread recently about the two kinds being offered:

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

You could ask for a pneumoccocal vaccine at the same if you're prone to chest infections: it's not live.

Be well xxx

[Jacqui296 in reply to eekt]

Hi

Yes had the pneumonia jab a few back but when I got it again this year I was told ‘it doesn’t cover every strain of pneumonia’. Great! I replied, as they never mentioned that at the time. xx

[Sara_A in reply to Jacqui296]

You only have the pneumonia vaccine once it’s not an annual vaccine like the flu one. (Unless u have no spleen then u may have a booster dose but otherwise it’s a one off vaccine).

Like others have said it’s important to get the flu jab but as always it’s ur choice u don’t have to have it it’s up to u.

The vaccine cannot cause flu or anything but with all vaccines ur body creates an immune response to the vaccine so it may just be that u are then more susceptible to picking up a cold at that time as there are so many about or that u just happened to be brewing one leading up to having the jab.

I’m having mine in couple of days and last yr was the only yr I felt ok after having it. I’m just on the end of a 3 month long flare too and still on increased steroids etc so not looking forward to having it! As I do always feel pretty rough.

[Jacqui296 in reply to Sara_A]

Hi

Thank you for your reply, yes I am aware of the one off flu jab but as I said it doesn’t cover all strains of pneumonia. I’ve had the flu jab every year for about 40 yrs on and off but now every year.

Jacqui

[misty14 in reply to eekt]

Thanks eek for sharing all this helpful info . Hope your keeping as well as possible yourself. X

[eekt in reply to misty14]

Thanks Misty14, hope you are too! First-time pneumoccocal jab next week, so I'm braced for any effects, with all the great info posted here! We're strong together! 💪 xxx

[misty14 in reply to eekt]

Best of luck with the pneumonia jab eek. I did have a flare when I had it but it's so vital to be protected. So agree we're stronger together on forum as we all understand what each other is going thru. I'm bracing myself for the flu jab soon as not well at present!. X

[eekt in reply to misty14]

Thanks Misty! LUK has changed my life! Hoping your new GP is a star if you need him/her. Be well! How's Harry xxx

[misty14 in reply to eekt]

Hope eek you've survived the jab. My new GP is a work in progress. Jury is out on him but I can talk to him easily which is a huge plus!. Hedgies are eating loads ready for hibernation!. We ought to do the same and come out in Spring!. Wouldn't that be great?. Take care and lovely you like the forum. X

[Wolf1 in reply to eekt]

I need pneumonia vac too- there’s nothing be available!! X

[eekt in reply to Wolf1]

Eeek! We're in the high priority group (assets.publishing.service.g... - page 8.

Pharmacies may have supplies, though it's never right to have to pay xxx

[Wolf1 in reply to eekt]

I know!! I start Iv treatment soon- so immune system will be very low and I’ve got lung disease 😢😢☹️xx

[eekt in reply to Wolf1]

Your consultants know? - maybe they can get one? That's so bad being left in that situation, be well xxx

[Jacqui296 in reply to misty14]

Hi

Yes I just wanted to make sure that I was doing the right thing and will get my jab this year, many thanks xx

[misty14 in reply to Jacqui296]

Good luck with it Jacquie. X

[PMRpro]

Yes to the flu jab - but not the live version they use for children in the form of a nasal spray. It is important for autoimmune patients to have the jab since their immune system is compromised anyway.

[Jacqui296 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi

Many thanks xx

[flo_IarFachYrHaf]

thanks for posting question and all the replies and links - very helpful. I have said I will have the flu jab this year [perhaps because my grandmother died 100 years ago from the "Spainish" flu!!]

[Lily77]

Hi Jacqui, my excellent GP told me that if I got flu I would end up in hospital so it was very important that I have an annual jab. I have therefore been sure to get it done every year for the last 4 years with no adverse reaction apart from a slightly swollen sore patch on the arm for a couple of days. Like you, I checked thoroughly before going ahead. With very best regards, Lily.

[Jacqui296 in reply to Lily77]

Hi Lily77

Thank you for your reply, it’s good to know that you don’t have a reaction to the jab and ‘touch wood’ I don’t normally, now that I’ve said it, I probably will! xx

[Msronique1]

I have had it for the last three years and was dis gnoses two years ago. I believe it has kept my colds for turning into something worse. I also believe that since we are more prone to becoming sicker than most it is a good thing to have. I did not flare afterwards. Hope this helps in you making your decision.

[SLEepyhead123]

The whole of my family are given flu vaccine to protect me. I have a daughter who lives in the UK but comes to stay at Christmas and she gets one too. Actually getting the flu would be far worse than getting the vaccination.

[AmyJ3]

I've got to head out and get the flu jab really as I do my Uni course in a large hospital, so it'd be bad practice not to. I've been good and had no flares since last December, reckon I need to tell the nurse anything on the day?

[Jacqui296]

Things to mention are feeling unwell on the day, colds etc xx Good luck with your course x