Lupus and Tuberculosis / Covid vaccine

[NK21]

I suffer from TB (pulmonary initially and then in my spine) which has been treated twice in past 25 years. I also suffer from Lupus (SLE) and I am currently having a flare. I am allergic to a lot of medication in general and very concerned about taking the vaccine.

Of what I have read on this forum and others, a lot of people suffering with Lupus have had allergic reaction to Oxford vaccine and I wondered if anyone with medical background is able to advise if a certain vaccine might be better? And if it’s advisable to take or not take a vaccine whilst having a flare?

I'm very much wanting the Covid jab but at the moment I am to unwell to have it and dread the side effects.

Thank you in advance.

[panther50]

Hi NK21 welcome to the forum. You’ll find lots of lovely people here to offer support and advice.😀Firstly So sorry to hear that you are currently experiencing a flare and are unwell.

There has been much discussion regarding vaccination with SLE here, but I wouldn’t say that a lot of people with lupus have had an allergic reaction to the Oxford jab. I would say the vast majority of us have felt slightly unwell for a few days then recovered. One or two people here have been unfortunate and have suffered flares (not sure if it was coincidence). I’m not aware of anyone who’s actually been allergic.

A friend of mine is allergic to one of the ingredients in the AZ jab so is having the Pfizer instead (sorry I forget the ingredient). Hopefully your rheumatologist & GP can advise you if you have any specific allergies. Her rheumatologist also advised her to makes sure her white cell level was high enough first so this may also be worth asking about too.

I can’t answer about having the jab whilst having a flare other than white cell level, but I can understand your nervousness if you’re feeling ill anyway.

[panther50]

This thread may be helpful to read:

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

[NK21 in reply to panther50]

Thank you so much panther50.. this is very helpful 😊