RA and live flu vaccine

[Julia31]

HiMy daughter has rung to say my 2 year old grandson has just had a live flu vaccine. She said the GP has said to avoid people with very compromised immune systems, eg. they said, having bone marrow transplants, for a week. She asked if it was safe for them to see me and was told they had no guidance for people with RA. I just wondered if anyone else has been in this position and whether I need to avoid seeing my grandson and daughter? I'm currently on leflunamide, having stopped Abatacept about 6 weeks ago and I had my flu vaccine about 10 days ago.

Many thanks.

[Jackie1947]

I thought it wasn't live.

[Julia31 in reply to Jackie1947]

Hi JackieChildren are offered a live vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. The flu vaccines we have aren't live.

[rmros]

Do whatever makes you comfortable. You're probably not an hugely increased risk, but if it's easy to avoid for a day or two for your peace of mind then why not. Some things are beyond our control.

[Julia31 in reply to rmros]

Thank you. That's very true.

[bpeal1]

When my children were younger I was advised the risk from being in contact with them after they had received the nasal spray was very low. To be on the safe side if possible to have my flu jab 2 weeks before they had theirs. You’re nearly at the 2 week point.

[Julia31 in reply to bpeal1]

Thank you , that's really reassuring.

[Whezziewhoozie]

I am a nanny and didn’t know this rule for a few years. I am on a biologic and DMard. I have always been around the kids and been fine as often we don’t find out the actual day they have had it until a few days later!!!

Also apparently I shouldn’t be around the dog for Kennel cough vaccine. Again just found out. But always have been!

[Julia31 in reply to Whezziewhoozie]

Thanks for your reply. That's very reassuring to know. It sounds like I wouldn't be at too much risk so will probably exercise a bit of caution but still see them.

[aliplayspiano]

I’m on a biologic. My daughter asked the doctor when her twins first had the flu nasal vaccine a couple of years ago and it was advised that I just keep away for a few days. I realise this isn’t always possible for people and I think if you’ve had your own flu vaccine a couple of weeks before you’re at less of a risk.

[Julia31 in reply to aliplayspiano]

Thank you Ali.

[Evie3]

its so difficult…..we do have to have a life 😏

[Julia31 in reply to Evie3]

Yes, I agree. My grandson goes to nursery a couple of days a week and of course regularly picks up coughs and colds etc. It's always a dilemma and my daughter worries about me too but I would hardly ever see him if I kept away every time! I'm sure many of us on here have the same dilemma!

[Portinatx17]

Its not live, I have RA and on immunosuppressants, get it annually

[helixhelix in reply to Portinatx17]

Different thing, the one for children is.

[helixhelix]

it’s my excuse for not changing nappies….

[Julia31 in reply to helixhelix]

Haha, yes ...

[Green230461]

I was sent out by vet when my puppies had kennel cough vaccine! Nasal sprays put droplets in the air!!

so does breathing…….

[Julia31 in reply to Green230461]

Gosh!

[Pennyjones1]

the live nasal flu vaccine stays in the nasal passages for up to two weeks . For those at risk on biologicals and those with severe immunosuppressant the advice would be to avoid very close contact like kissing and cuddling for two weeks , being in the same room etc is fine . I administer the live nasal flu vaccine every year to lots of children’s and I am on a biological. I do not let my dogs have the live kennel cough vaccine .

[Julia31 in reply to Pennyjones1]

Thanks for this Penny.

[helixhelix in reply to Pennyjones1]

My dogs have it, but injected not the nasal spray so much less risk.

[Julia31 in reply to helixhelix]

That's interesting. I didn't realise dogs had it too.

[Julia31]

Thanks so much everyone. I have really appreciated all your replies. Since I posted, my grandson is now poorly with a temperature and sore throat. It seems he picked something up at nursery on Monday so I've still not seen him. My daughter took him to see the GP this evening as he has been very lethargic all day. He apparently perked up on the way to the surgery and appeared completely fine by the time they got there, which is good news of course! Best wishes to everyone.