Flu & pneumonia jab

Sorry guys another question. Do I have to have a flu & pneumonia jab before going onto Enbrel? Thanks again guys xx

[helixhelix]

A good idea to keep your pneumococcal vaccine up to date - it's every 10 years I think- so get it done while you think of it. But it's the wrong time of year for the flu jab. Normally they release this year's concoction end Sept/early October.

And if you have any travel plans that might require live vaccines get them done now, while you still can!

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you so much. So, I will get my pneumonia jab done at my GPs, but wait for the flu jab sept/early October. Is it still ok to take the Enbrel without having the flu jab? X

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

Flu jab isn't a live vaccine, so you can and should have it every autumn.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you x

[Judetheobscure]

Something to check - I think you are advised not to have live vaccines while on Enbrel.

"Whilst the risk of extra infection can be reduced by keeping up to date with vaccinations, it is important to know that not all vaccinations can be given when on this drug. Inactivated (killed) vaccines such as influenza are fine (and indeed very important) to have. Live attenuated vaccines (such as yellow fever), should be avoided as they may be unsafe. Patients on etanercept should inform their doctor that they are taking this drug before receiving any vaccine."

Taken from the NRAS information sheet for Enbrel. nras.org.uk/etanercept-enbrel-

[Sheila_G]

It is always advisable for anyone who is elderly or has a disease such as RA to have the flu vaccine. Each year the flu vaccine is made up of the 3 most likely flus to cause a problem. Sometimes they get it wrong as with last years that wasn't very effective but mostly they get it right. There are many types of flu around each year and sometimes the decision can be very difficult for the scientists to call but I would always err on the side of caution and have the jab.

[Mall]

My consultant insisted that I have these before he prescribed it.