Pneumonia vaccine

[Sue4983]

Hi everyone

Does anyone know if it would still be helpful to have the pneumonia vaccine ? I was offered it before Christmas but I only had the flu one ? It seems like on the Rheumatology website they were saying it could prevent secondary infections

[Boxerlady]

When I asked about this at my surgery recently I was told that it was still out of stock (been waiting since December) and might be available by April...

[Sue4983 in reply to Boxerlady]

Thanks for that April seems a long way off at the moment doesn’t it ? Sounds like it might be worth having if we can

[Eiram50]

I had one five years and was told I wouldn’t need another - not sure if you’ve had it before?

[Sue4983 in reply to Eiram50]

No I definitely haven’t had one I will ask my GP on Tuesday

[AgedCrone]

Next time you see your doctor ask.....but probably not..

[Sue4983]

O K thank you

[happytulip]

My situation is slightly different but might still be relevant.

I have an immune deficiency and my local immunology and infectious diseases team wanted me to have two flu type vaccines and then four weeks later I was to have a blood test to check for anti-bodies. That would help them work out my level of immune deficiency.

Every single time I have ever had a flu vaccine I have become really unwell with chest infections and had weeks of antibiotics so I was already nervous about having the jabs. When the Epidemic was hotting up I chose to cancel having the jabs. I don't want to get sick, and I also don't want to take up a hospital bed if someone else would need it. The ID and Immunology team said that was sensible to wait.

I suppose your situation is different. I also have AI and RD but it's down to you. Perhaps make the decision with your GP?

[springcross in reply to happytulip]

I've only ever had two flu jabs and after each one, I've been quite ill with sinuses and chest infections so it has put me off. I didn't have any autoimmune problems at the time (not that I know of anyway) but had been diagnosed with COPD probably in 2006. When I was diagnosed with RA last August I was advised to have the flu and pneumonia jabs but have resisted for fear that I would be very ill again. I do wonder, especially with this Covid-19 whether I should take the chance but cannot bring myself to do it as I am almost sure it will happen again.

[Sue4983]

Thanks happy tulip I’ll ask Stay safe

[nomoreheels]

Advice from WHO is that although vaccines against pneumonia (& Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine) are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health. That said unless your GP Practice happen to have them in stock there are no supplies at the moment of the vaccine for under 65's, they're not expected to be available until May. Over 65's vaccine supplies are intermittent so anyone of that age group or over I would say ask to be added to the list for when stocks are available.

I was asked to have it before starting leflunomide, which happened to be around flu vaccine time so had both done at the same time, around 3 years ago.

[skybluepink in reply to nomoreheels]

Have you tried the supermarket pharmacies ?

[nomoreheels in reply to skybluepink]

Possibly worth others doing so. As I said in the last paragraph I had it before starting leflunomide around 3 years ago.

[Sue4983]

Oh O K thanks

[medway-lady]

I know I had one two years ago one of those rollup your other sleeve moments. I'm glad I did too, although not sure it affects this virus as more than one type of pneumonia. A friend can't get one now locally but I do wonder if its available privately from Boots or private clinics. Could try ringing around tomorrow. I wasn't over 65 but in a high risk group.

[Sue4983]

O K thanks

[HappykindaGal]

I called the doctor last week and he said it would be a good idea. Had it the next day. Same as you, I’d previously turned it down as was sick of all the meds. I’m 57 and it was available

[Sue4983]

Oh O K I’m supposed to be seeing my GP tomorrow unless I hear otherwise It’s so confusing because most of the info says it wont help with this ? I do trust this doctor he’s usually very good so I’ll ask him Thanks

[GinnyE]

I've had my flu jabs. I was going to have the pneumonia one aswell but read that it can make you rather ill. I asked my consultant and he said if I hadn't ever had lung problems, or pneumonia to not bother. So I cancelled it. Just my experience.

[medway-lady in reply to GinnyE]

I have Brochectastasis and was told have it ! no side effects at all.

[Sue4983]

Thanks Ginny It’s just so confusing you don’t know what to do for the best !

[Nuttyshirlz]

hiya. If you can get it I would say it can’t hurt. I’ve had mine done few years ago along with my first flu jab just before I started methotrexate. I was in at risk list was 51 at the time. I was ill for few days but My saying is better be safe than sorry. I’m doing as much has I can to help myself

[Sue4983]

Thank you

[Hidden]

My rheaumy advised me to get it last year which I did. Plus I get the Flu vaccine every year

[Sue4983]

Wish I had now but I suppose we couldn’t have second guessed this !

[Otto11]

I’m starting Abatacept this week & my Rheumatology team said in a letter to my GP that yes we should be up to date for both Pneumonia & flu vaccinations. I hadn’t had a Pneumonia vaccination since 2003 so I was overdue. I was given an appointment for last Friday but when I went in the nurse said there was a national shortage & they were keeping their supply for over 65’s. Well I’m immunosuppressed starting on a new Biologic soon, I have Asthma & Lung inflammation was in hospital with Pneumonia in November & im 65 in a few weeks! She did consider this for a few minutes but then agreed to me having it.