Flu shot twice?

[Funnygirl64]

My rheumatologist says best to get flu shot oct and then in Jan again due to our meds? Anyone do that? It is true effect wears off over time

[Hidden]

Are you in the UK funny girl?

[Funnygirl64 in reply to Hidden]

Usa

[bubblyalex]

Disappointing to read this. I’ve managed to stay away from flu for many winters having had the flu jab (like you because of Asthma). Does this now mean I’m going to struggle. Oh the joys.

[Carolsos in reply to bubblyalex]

My chemist is doing flu jabs and I am booked in for 23rd September for mine. The chemist asked if I usually get one and promptly booked me in.

[sylvi in reply to Carolsos]

My chemist did mine last year at no cost to me which was good.xx

[bunnycaramel in reply to sylvi]

My chemist gave my partner and I our flu jab for no cost. Will need to ask what is happening this year.

I also have asthma and have had the flu vaccine for 20 years. Not had flu and very few colds in all this time. Now with RA diagnosis I have had more colds and chest infections and a new diagnosis of bronchietasis too. So the last few winters have been bad for me.

I have flu vaccine once a year.

[Carolsos in reply to sylvi]

Likewise sylvi I don't pay either!

[bubblyalex]

I will stay hopeful 😁 I usually try to hang on until Oct for mine ... I don’t really know why 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Funnygirl64 in reply to bubblyalex]

Yes oft and jan

[AgedCrone]

They don’t actually guess which virus is included in the I Influenza vaccination....the WHO collect the most virulent viruses from around the world...for UK they include the strains that were prevalent last Winter in the Southern Hemisphere & migrate north.

This has apparently been proved the most accurate way of including the viruses most likely to be needed.

Of course it won’t be 100% ,& with some people it won’t work ...hence they get influenza...but even then they get Flu less severely than they would have, had they not had the vaccination.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to AgedCrone]

Is it safe to have the Flu Vaccine whilst on Biologic and MTX?

[AgedCrone in reply to MJSlide1958]

I would think so...but always ask!

I had Flu jabs whilst on Mtx, & have them now on Rtx.....not been on both at the same time.

But as I say ask your rheumatologists....I reckon most GPs won’t know for sure!

[MJSlide1958 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks will do

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

My rheumatologist let me take two weeks off MTX around the time I had the flu jab last year to allow it the best chance of working. I've been having the jab for years (20?), but only on MTX for 18 months. I usually get my jab around the end of September after the GP surgery sends out invitations. I can't remember when I last had flu. I've never heard of having a repeat jab in January, but if your consultant wants you to do it, it should be for a good reason. I would go along with it.

[madme1]

I've been having the flu jabs regularly but only once, never heard this before and last year, had flu jab in Oct and come Nov was seriously ill in hosp with chest infection and you've guessed it flu strain A apparently!

[AgedCrone]

In the UK....the following is the advice:-

cdc.gov.flu.prevention.misc...

In adults studies have not shown a benefit from getting more than one dose of vaccine during the same influenza season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems.

Except for children getting vaccinated for the first time, only one dose of the flu vaccine is recommended each season.(5 days ago)

Maybe in the US things are different?

[nomoreheels]

Recent research does indicate that the flu vaccine given in September/ October (first clinic) doesn't protect as long as previously thought. Rather than the 6 months commonly known it is now being thought that it only gives 3 months protection, & further that it becomes less effective literally from being injected & completely ineffective by 3 months. It is being considered if those at particular risk should maybe have a second booster injection around December time, so possibly your Rheumy read the same? No word yet from Public Health England for us but of course this year so many more will be eligible to have the vaccine so they'll have to move quick. If is a booster, & not a repeat dose, it's not a simple case of the manufacturers making more of the vaccine .

[AgedCrone in reply to nomoreheels]

Funnygirl64 is in the US nmh.....might be what they do over there?

The cdc statement I posted is only 5 days old.

Can’t see the NHS coughing up for 2 jabs each can you?

[nomoreheels in reply to AgedCrone]

The findings were from a US physician & professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, apparently one of the world's most renowned vaccinologists. Don't know if it's yet sanctioned by the US Advisory Commitee on Immunization Practices, but would make sense it possibly is Funnygirl being in the US.

As to whether the UK will go with 2, I suppose it depends on results, or if the strains that year are super virulent.

[AgedCrone in reply to nomoreheels]

Sadly more more likely the cost factor...if it is advised in the US - good health insurance “might” cover it...but in UK I doubt the NHS will....not yet anyway!

[madme1 in reply to nomoreheels]

My mum has just received her letter to go for flu vaccination a month earlier than normal.

[Leics]

My GP rang me last Thursday and offered an appointment for me and my hubby to get a flu jab. But I have an egg allergy and they said they weren’t prepared to get an egg free version for me because ‘it only has a very small amount in it ‘ well I’m sorry but I’m not taking the risk and making myself severely ill. So off to boots I go mid September no charge and no problem. Can’t say I’d fancy having two vaccinations though I’m not usually good with one which is why I’ve avoided it for about 8 years. Two nasty chest infections a sinus infection and a throat infection in quick succession which left me coughing for six months has kicked me up the bum and made me get one this year.

[Green230461]

As I was reading this my doctor rang to offer me a flu jab ! Now that is freaky😷