Peg Interferon and flu jab

[Nay123]

Hi All,

I was offered the flu jab this year and decided I wanted to have it. However, now I’m wondering whether it’s ok to get it with Interferon. The leaflet of Interferon states that live vaccinations should not be given with the medication and I believe the flu vaccine isn’t live? I haven’t had any tests prior to my appointment which is in 2 days.

Any thoughts 🤔

Thanks in advance.

Nadine

[hunter5582]

I do believe the injectables are inactivated. Always best to check to be sure. I certainly plan to get my flu vaccine this year,

[tatty123]

The injected flu vaccine is not live and ok to have. I’m currently taking HU and Peg and will be getting my flu jab this Saturday. Do be mindful of children having the nasal flu vaccine as it is live. I work in a school and each year I am given two working days at home when the children have it. This is because it remains active for 24 hours after administration.

However, as Hunter suggested, always best to check with your doctor first and chat with them about it.

Hope this helps. Xxxx

[Helpatlast]

Yes its important for MPN patients to have the flu jab and no it isn't live so fine for us. I have been on Peg for a few years and I tend to make sure I have a day or so between a dose and my flu jab, or any vaccine, just to give my immune system time to assimilate one before the other and my consultant always encourages just delay treatment a day to do so, not "necessary" as such but helpful. As said above as always check with your team for your individual situation

[Ebot]

Flu vaccines aren’t live and therefore are fine to have. But, yes of course, double check before the needle goes in!

And good point by Tatty123 about the nasal vaccines being live. But my understanding is that the risk in that situation is only if you’re in super close contact undertaking nappy changing type activities.

[tatty123 in reply to Ebot]

I was advised by NHS nurses delivering the nasal vaccines, being in proximity of a child who sneezes, within 24 hours of inhaling, can potentially cause problems. My school are really supportive about all of this.

I hope it helps. Xxx

[Ebot in reply to tatty123]

That’s great that your school are so supportive. Keep well.

[Jocko]

Hi,

I have been on peg for over 4 years and had a flu jab every year with no issues.

All the best

Jockp

[Nay123]

Thank you all for your responses. I kinda knew it was ok to have the flu jab but needed some reassurance now that the appointment comes closer. I don’t usually have this vaccination but guess with my newish diagnosis, it would be a sensible thing to get.

I will definitely get confirmation that the vaccination is not live before the needle goes in. Thanks for the advice.

I’m also due my next Interferon injection a day later but might postpone by one day. See how I feel and I was planning to ask the nurse about it (just not quite sure how much she knows about MPN and Interferon).

Thanks all and have a good day.

Nadine

[JediReject]

Hi Nadine , , just to add in that I believe it's more important for folk to take up their flu jab this year because apparently (if you believe the stats) there was a 95% decrease in influenza virus last year because of all Covid precautions. My surgery nurse told me they being GP surgeries generally are expecting that we won't be so lucky to get away lightly this year which I guess makes sense now that the majority it seems have abandoned masks and hand sanitising. I'm sure you'll be ok with it.

Chris

[Nay123 in reply to JediReject]

That’s exactly what I thought and when I decided to do it. I’m still really careful with using masks etc, but I’m no longer hiding away completely.

[Jynx93 in reply to JediReject]

I think masks should have still been made mandatory, at least until after the winter. I still wear one everywhere in public

[JediReject in reply to Jynx93]

Would make alot of sense to carry on until next March at least , , I know there's debate how effective it really is but maybe the fact that colds and flu were minimised last winter says alot. Does to me and I'm continuing to do all I can to reduce my risk. There see still a good number of folk with Covid in our local hospital and sadly still too many fatalities. Take care

[Solyesh]

Nay - I checked with my MPN specialist about the flu shot, as I too am on Peg, and he aid that the injectable version, at least the one in use locally, is not activated. He is also strongly suggesting to all hi patients that they take the jab this year as they are predicting a difficult flu season.

[Nay123 in reply to Solyesh]

Thanks for the information.

[Jynx93]

I’m on inteeferon and I had my flu jab a couple of weeks ago. All fine, not even a sore arm this time like I usually have

[Nay123]

Just a quick update that I had my flu jab this morning. It was activated, I did check 😁 So far, I’m feeling fine and as I’ve had a good week, I’ll now treat myself to a nice pint 😝

[Nay123]

Hello again,

Now I’m wondering if I can have my Interferon injection today after the flu vaccine yesterday 🤔 I’m feeling fine, no symptoms from the vaccine.

What would you say?

Thanks.

Nadine