Rituximab and Flu Vaccination

[Haired]

Hi,

I am due my next Rituximab infusion tomorrow. I was wondering how long after infusion do I have to wait before taking Flu Vaccination ?

Many thanks,

Marian

[CarolMcl]

Hi, im honestly not too sure, maybe you should contact your rheumatologist. I know that when I was due my retuximab I was advised to have the covid vaccine at least 4 weeks beforehand but I don't know the timings if getting the infusion first. I did find the following on the internet...........These findings suggest that “[f]or an optimal response, the interval between rituximab infusion and vaccination should be as long as possible, preferably at least 9 months,” write Jyssum et al in The Lancet Rheumatology. As you know, findings are always changing so maybe you could phone the hospital today for advice. Hope all goes well

[Haired in reply to CarolMcl]

Thank you for your reply Carol. Flu Vaccination only released with GP today so too near Infusion. GP said wait 2 weeks after Infusion, I think I will check with hospital when I am in tomorrow as was different to what I had read on line.

I had to wait 4 months after last Infusion for COVID booster. But unfortunately 10 days after Booster I got COVID !! I could not believe it after over 2 and a half years being careful. Have you had covid? I was positive for 12 days and still feel very flat. My eyes are particularly sensitive.

How do you find Rituximab Infusions ?

Thanks again Marian

[CarolMcl in reply to Haired]

2 weeks does sound very quick, would definitely check it out at the hospital. Depending on the time of your infusion, you may have time to pop round to the rheumatology unit? Apart from not being able to sleep the night of my infusion (think its the IV steroids), ive been fine with it. Yes I did catch covid, can you believe I caught it whilst getting my 5th vaccine!! That was the only time I had been out so it must've been there. I was in hospital for 2 days then I got the antivirals which really did make a difference. I really hope you get some clarification tomorrow and your infusion goes well 🤞😁

[Haired in reply to CarolMcl]

Thanks Carol. I can’t believe you caught COVID while in the hospital .I am on Tegratol for nocturnal Epilepsy so could not have Antiviral.

Thanks again. Marian

[CarolMcl]

No sorry, it wasnt in the hospital, it was at the covid vaccination centre then I ended up in hospital because of it. Although you're still experiencing the after effects of covid, thankfully the onset wasnt severe for you. You're welcome, take care

[Betty909090]

Surely by now those of us on monoclonal antibody treatments for lupus like Rituximab should be advised properly and expertly as to what the time gap should be?

There should be GUIDELINES available to be followed not opinion from the vac people and useless rheumatologists?!

Important to read this NHS paper on Rituximab for SLE:

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

[Haired in reply to Betty909090]

Hi,

thank you very much for your reply and attachment. The rheumatologist I attend has been very helpful and explained each new medication on this Lupus journey.

His secretary is looking into my query and will be back to me ASAP.

When you think about it we are all on different combinations of medical treatment along with the COVID environment we have been in for over 2 years which has made things more difficult for us and the medical professionals. Stay safe.