Flu shot

[jkdavid99]

Flu shot should we get one or no we shouldn't get it?

I think i have been told if on ocevus we shouldn't get one. True or not?

Thanks

[mm1527mm]

Im on ocrevus and was told to get one

[rjoneslaw]

I have never had one.

[bxrmom]

I was never on that, but having MS, we should get one because of our compromised immune system. I learned the hardway because none of my doctors told me to get one so I never did and in 2008 I had a really bad case of the flu that put me in the hospital for a week and left me with constant dizziness so I had to file for disability. To this day the dizziness is always there but not as bad as it once was. But I'm still unable to work because of it. After that, I have gotten my flu shot every year.

Jessie

[jackiesj]

Ask doc and pray....very individual...I had a hard time deciding and they also had available shingles vaccine.I ended up yes on both accounts but....they warned me about symptoms..TY! I was in bed a week....just glad its done.

[Wizardsmom]

I am on Ocrevus and was told to get a flu shot. I think it depends on when your next infusion is, but I'm not sure. Always refer to your neurologist when it comes to a flu shot.

[Hidden]

I too am on Ocrevus and have been directed (actually urged) to get the annual flu shot by my MS specialist, and confirmed by my GP.

[Frances_B]

Obviously anyone who has concerns should talk to their own doctor/s but even so I seem to end up posting this link about 20+ times a year when the cold and flu season starts. The information on this webpage is kept up to date and covers a whole range of vaccinations for PwMS - and it includes specific information relating to some of the MS drugs and the timing of vaccinations.

nationalmssociety.org/Livin...

[goatgal]

The high dose Fluzone for seniors caused an adverse reaction (vertigo) the only time I was given it. Since then, I have continued to be vaccinated against the flu with the usual form of the vaccine without problems.

[pamgarner]

Call your dr, I think as long as you are 6 weeks out of treatment,I have had mine and I am on ocrevus.I had last treatmenti' end of july and flu shot around the 1st of sept.I'm good

[leking1]

I always get the high dose flu shot, and have had three recommended pneumonia shots, with no bad reactions.

[leapsnbounds]

Like bxrmom I did not have the flu shot one year and could not stand but only seconds. When I had gone to the hospital I found out that I had the flu and they kept me a few days. Our immune system is so bad that we are able to get sick very quickly. Always confirm with your doctor regarding any questions.

[OKgal]

I went to a seminar at our newest MS center. Yes, we now have a MS center. The topic was “vaccinations and MS.” The repetitive statement made was “no live vaccines.” Flu shot was discussed and everyone is encouraged to get one. Flu shot and Ocrevus was also brought up. The doctor stated a patient can get the shot two weeks before or after the infusion. As always, check with your doctor.

Scurrying off to make my annual well adult exam, which will include getting the flu shot.

[Safi58]

My neurologist said No. However, the last few years before my diagnosis last year 2018. I would get a flu shot.

Thank God I just happened to ask and was advised not to get a flu shot!! I’m taking Rebif shots.

[Frances_B in reply to Safi58]

Unless you have some other reason you're either not aware of or have not mentioned, then your neurologist sounds somewhat out of touch with up-to-date advice from MS experts about flu shots and PwMS, especially as Rebif is not an immune suppressant drug. I'd be re-asking the question or seeking further advice. From the webpage on the link I posted above:

"Inactivated vaccines are generally considered safe for people with MS, including those who are taking an interferon medication (Avonex®, Betaseron®, Extavia®, Plegridy®, Rebif®), Aubagio®, Copaxone®, Gilenya®, Glatopa®, Lemtrada®, Novantrone®, Tecfidera® or Tysabri®. "

For some reason (which is not substantiated by proper evidence) there are some people who seem to think that a flu-shot caused them to have a relapse. One thing is absolutely for sure - a dose of the flu is far more likely to trigger a relapse than the flu-shot is - the flu really puts your body under massive strain and that's when a relapse is more likely to be triggered.

[Safi58 in reply to Frances_B]

🙏🏾 Thanks for the information.

[IFwczs]

I am on Ocrevus. I used to get a flu shot every year until a number of doctors told me not to. I just increase my vitamin D and C.

[Hidden]

Ask for the mercury free one. We don't need the extra heavy metals.