Do you have to leave your biologic injection off before your covid vaccination?

[Juliachoo]

I have my covid vaccination next Thursday, Do I have to leave off my biologic Imraldi injection before & after the vaccination? If so how long for & also does this apply to the methotrexate injections? Thank you in advance all replies appreciated xx

[RA57]

Hi, I had my vaccination yesterday and was due to inject my imraldi Thursday. I didn’t inject and will do it next Thursday. I injected my methotrexate last Monday and will miss this Monday. I took advice from my rheumy nurse and decided this was the best option for me. I hope this helps, it was a very emotional moment finally having the vaccine and the only side effect was slight tingling in my arm for about 10 mins after, I was told some horror stories but have been fine. I had the Pfizer one. Hope all goes well 😊🤞

[Juliachoo in reply to RA57]

Thank you, so I’ll miss the MYX jab tomorrow & next Sunday, my 1st jab is Thursday. Then Miss the imraldi a week on Wednesday... I will msg my RA team though xx

[helixhelix]

It seems that advice is quite variable. The research on this is not huge, and we each have a different medical history. So no single right answer.

My rheumy recommended that I stop my MTX and biologic for one week after the jab. Which I did. Others have been told to continue...

[Juliachoo in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you, I think we all need more info & reassurance xx

[RAexperiences in reply to Juliachoo]

I’m in Canada...won’t seen a vaccination for months. My rheumatologist said to stop methotrexate for two weeks after the shot and stay on the biologic. As i have a history of anaphalyxis (bees), she recommended the moderna one. We don’t have the oxford one. Best of luck!

[oldtimer]

There is a study that showed that stopping the methotrexate improved the immune response. It follows that if you are able to without risking a flare then it's sensible to do so, but a flare would put you at more risk of a serious infection should you catch Covid19 before the vaccination had had time to work (10-14 days approximately).

[Sallysuk in reply to oldtimer]

I asked my GP before I had my jab if I should stop my mtx and was told after she had checked with rheumatology dep't to carry on as usual. As I have been told quite vehemently to stop mtx if I have any infection I decided to miss my dose on day of vaccination as it made sense somehow. I had the vaccination 3 weeks ago, no flare, only a sore arm which happens after any injection. I wonder why there is so much conflicting advice about medication/ covid 19 jab.

[liveinwoods]

I am in the US and they have begun vaccinations over aged 65 where I live. I am on Rituxin and Leflunomide. My rheumatologist told me I should not have my next infusion 5 weeks before or after the COVID vaccination but not to stop taking Lefleunomide.