flu shot and ocrevus

[fennrock56]

am taking ocrevus and was wondering about flu shot i have started with the intial infusions and was wondering if i can still get it

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi fennrock56 welcome to Our MSAA Community! Or better yet the family!☺️

I'm not on ocrevus, but many are. Although your better off asking your Health Care Team about taking your shot! Send your Neuro an email and I'm sure they will get back to you!

🤗💕

J🌠🦃

How is ocrevus working for you? Are you noticing a difference?

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

fennrock56

I JUST went to my annual neuro appointment this week and asked that question. Can I get the flu shot and when should I get it? She said that it is fine to receive the flu shot 3 months prior to an Ocrevus infusion. That is what she told me, however you should consult with your medical team because they should know what is best for you.

Stay Strong,

Carole

[rlh1974]

fennrock56 My Neuro said that no live flu shots and I had to have my flu shot 6 weeks before I started. However, every Dr is different, so I would definitely call your Dr and ask!

Welcome to THE best support group ever!!!!

Rob

[jimeka in reply to rlh1974]

Have you had your first infusion yet Rob, and if so, how are things going, Blessings Jimeka 🦋

[rlh1974 in reply to jimeka]

jimeka I had my first half dose on Monday, My second will be the 26th. My steroid high has worn off and I feel like I have been beat up. Massive headaches. But I think that is from the roids. Otherwise I feel exactly the same as before. So we will see how things work out.

Thanks for checking up on me!

Rob

[jimeka in reply to rlh1974]

Keep checking in so that we know you are ok 🦋

[Linda3579 in reply to rlh1974]

Hi rlh1974

I had that same reaction after my first infusion. The headache was less the second time. I have now had 4 infusions with no headache at all. Just high energy the first day after due to the steroids. From what I have been told, and my experience is the side effects get less every time.

Wishing you well.

Linda

[jimeka in reply to rlh1974]

Just read your post, sorry, Allen5280 usually has a rough few days after his infusions. I pray that you feel better soon. Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🤗 🍫

[Hidden]

Good evening fennrock56, it's Fancy. Jes he is absolutely right. I am on ocrevus and I've had both the flu vàccine and the new shingles vaccine while being on ocrevus. It is all about timing and doing it so much before infusion and so far after infusion Etc. Simply call your neurologist office and ask them the timeline they want you to be on for taking the flu shot. As long as the viruses are not live you are okay to take the vaccines while on ocrevus. I received the flu shot for the chronically ill which contains an extra strain of flu and higher doses of each strain to help protect the immune system. I hope this helps good luck with your quest. Together we are stronger!

[Elizt3 in reply to Hidden]

I didn’t realize there is a type of flu shot for chronically ill. Is that the same one that’s meant for senior citizens?

[greaterexp]

Welcome to a great family of helpful and supportive people.

[guitarguy]

I got my Flu and Shingles vaccines a week before my first Ocrevus infusion. Both were non-live versions which is pretty much all you can find anyway. Double check the with your providers and vaccines personnel. As always to be sure.

I’ve had shingles twice now, no fun at all!

Dave

[kdali]

Yes you can get it. I asked about when, and my MD never got back to me so I got it 2 weeks shy of 3 months because I don’t want to die while on vacation.

[DIsneyQueen]

I am on Ocrevus and couldn’t get the flu shot last year because the timing wasn’t right. According to my Neuro you have to get the shot 6 weeks before your Ocrevus infusion because Ocrevus knocks out your immune system . Got it this year Same for other vaccines like pneumonia or the Shingles shot. Talk to your Neuro. Sometimes your general practitioner isn’t as knowledgeable about all the MS drugs

[RobertCalifornia]

I talked to my neurologist about the flu shot. I have been on Ocrevus for 18 months. Last year she said 3 months before but now she said it doesn't matter when you get the shot just get it. No live virus vaccines. She is a MS specialist and works closely with Genentech. I am not a doctor so please consult with your doctor.

[kdali in reply to RobertCalifornia]

I’ve been saying it shouldn’t matter when for a while now, ty for sharing!!

[Raingrrl in reply to kdali]

It does matter though! The fewer the B cells you have when you get the vaccine, the less affective the vaccine. That’s why you shouldn’t get a vaccine right after a B cell depleating infusion like Ocrevus or a Rituxan. erash explained this really well in a post a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, no one seems to have studied when the optimum time is.

[JTZES]

Both my neurologist and pcp said it was ok to take at anytime as long as it is not the live virus of either.

Being sceptical about things I made sure that I waited close to three months before taking it. I've never had a shingles vaccine dose.