Is new beefed up flu jab good for us RA sufferers?

[Hopeful1]

Boosting the immune system is usually a no no for us. Has any work been done on balance of risks/benefits for us?

[Simba1992]

Did you forget to give the link? Haven't heard of this vaccine.

[Hopeful1 in reply to Simba1992]

Just heard about it on breakfast TV this morning. Sorry no other reference

[Simba1992 in reply to Hopeful1]

This is probably what you are referring to:

theguardian.com/society/201...

The vaccine covers all four strains of flu virus instead of three. It is planned for seniors over 65 and for the vulnerable which I can imagine RA sufferers are.

[Hidden in reply to Simba1992]

As I understand it over 65yrs will get triple vaccine, under 65yrs and vulnerable will get quadruple.

[Simba1992 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry, you are right. That's what it said. Evidently older people are not vulnerable🤔But if you are over 65 and have an AI condition that probably makes you vulnarable(?)

[Gnarli in reply to Simba1992]

I blooming hope so. At 64 and three quarters I need all the help I can get!

[Simba1992 in reply to Gnarli]

Not so straight forward I think after reading more.Seems like everyone over 65 will be offered the adjuvent vaccine that is supposed to be more potent than the one given last year for three strains. The new vaccine is said to give a better protection to over 65s who have a weaker immuneresponse but is still for three strains.

[Simba1992 in reply to Simba1992]

I wonder if RA patients are seen as one in groups mentioned here that should not take the adjuvant?

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[Hidden in reply to Gnarli]

Take your time on the last quarter!

[Gnarli in reply to Hidden]

Oooh no. I finally get my pension in November. Can't wait

[Hidden in reply to Gnarli]

Oh well, bring it on then! I have to wait until I am older. Boo

[Gnarli in reply to Hidden]

Sorry 😔

[keeta in reply to Gnarli]

Don.t forget the 3/4 its very important .🤣😂🤗

[summer32 in reply to Simba1992]

I was given the quadrivalent at work pharmacy and no I'm not 65!

[Simba1992 in reply to summer32]

So that's why you got it!

[summer32 in reply to Simba1992]

Arm hurts like he'll though

[helixhelix]

A vaccine doesn't really boost your immune system, just adds some antibodies into the mix.

[AgedCrone in reply to helixhelix]

Hi, hh .......Well last year "the mix" went very wrong for me...I had flu for the first time EVER!!

I don't want it ever,ever again as I got a Post Viral Rash a month afterwards that messed up my life for 6 monhths, I had to stop RTX in case it was the culprit, & I am only just getting back on track with it.

At my advanced years I haven't got 6 months to waste!!!

I know I really should have it, but I will speak to my Rheumy before I have the vaccine this year. He will have to be very persuasive!

[Simba1992 in reply to AgedCrone]

Last years vaccine was not very effective , only 20% effect. The reason said to be that it only covered three flu strains. This new pepped up verion covers 4 but is intended for 18-65 year olds. The over 65 have a pepped up version too but it's still only for three strains. Over 65s with RA should really talk with their docs about taking the four strain one since the adjuvant added is not without additional risks.

[AgedCrone in reply to Simba1992]

I read that this year the Chinese haven't sent the West the actual virus strains requested for the 2018/19 Infuenza vaccine research ...so the omens aren't good for which ever vaccine we are offered!

I'm so old they'll probably offer me a placebo & tell me to be grateful!

[Simba1992 in reply to AgedCrone]

I have understood that the pepping up the immune respons in the over 65s with the adjuvant is really the thing to worry about in immuncomprimized patients, not the immunization effect.

[AgedCrone in reply to Simba1992]

If I don't get a credible reason to have the vaccination from my Rheumy I will ask a cardiologist I know what he thinks.

My GP's know zilch about RA people having compromised immune systems. One thought I had RTX infusions every month!

An other thought my year of birth was my age....he was only 30 years out!!

[Simba1992 in reply to AgedCrone]

Good idea👍🏻

[AgedCrone]

Speak to your GP practice nurse...your doctor decides which vaccine you will need....unless there is a directive from NHS it is his call.

[nablur]

I actually just got a reply from my rheumatologist to PLEASE get a flu shot. It shouldn’t interfere with any meds and it is way worse to get the flu.

[Simba1992 in reply to nablur]

Don't think there is any controversy as long as you are under 65.

[AgedCrone]

Sadly that is a long & distant memory for me!