Flu jab and blood thinners

[Ovingite]

My son (35) has just had his flu jab and was asked if he was taking blood thinners - not something I've ever been asked before. A quick search found that problems have occurred previously with patients taking warfarin, but I cannot find any reference to other blood thinners (I'm on clopidogrel) or if this year's vaccine is particularly implicated.

Has anyone come across this before or seen any warnings? As ever, I appreciate your accumulated knowledge on all things blood related.

Keep safe

John (well over the 65yr threshold!)

[hunter5582]

I have never been asked that question despite many flu vaccinations. I did a quick look and your are right, Warfarin (coumadin) is the med that shows up as a potential risk. I expect it best to get an answer from our esteemed panel of docs with whom MPNVoice consults.

Thanks for posting the issue.

[katiewalsh in reply to hunter5582]

Hi. Did it also mention ELIQUIS? Thanks. Katie

[hunter5582 in reply to katiewalsh]

I did not see Eliquis mentioned - but really only did a quick look. be sure to talk to your provider about it.

[Jocko]

I had a flu jab at Tesco last week. I am on warfarin and aspirin - no one asked me anything to do with thinners and the jab was fine.

Regards

Jocko

[MarkD6701]

I've had the flu jab for a number of years whilst on warfarin and have never experienced any issues. My INR has never been affected by it.

[AirconBob]

I think they ask about thinners simply because it may make bleeding at the injection site difficult to stop. When I asked, I was told 'we have plenty of cotton wool'.

I have had the flu jab for 6 years with no problem, once as part of a stud at Guys into its effectiveness.

The effectiveness of the jab in people with MPN's is debatable though.

On balance I consider it worth taking.

[Ovingite in reply to AirconBob]

Thanks for replying,

I suspect you are right, but I wanted to flag this in case anyone had any further information. The warnings appear to date back to the 2007/8 vaccine formulation, which is significantly different to the current formulation, so may no longer be relevant. Either way, I had my jab this morning!

Stay safe

John

[Ellafea]

I'm 27 and I'm booked in for my first flu jab next week. I take aspirin every day. I had a call with my doctor last week so I doubled checked and she seemed to think it was no problem.

[skodaguy]

If you are on warfarin or have any other clotting issues it is better if the vacc is given subcutaneously with the needle pointing downwards to prevent bleeding issues such as an intramuscular haematoma