An RA question re vaccines for my learned friends 😊

[Adorable1]

When diagnosed with RA can you book for a Covid and flu vaccine as normal, (if you wish to have the vaccines) I take hydroxychloroquine.

I had both vaccines last year. Just wondered if it’s ok to have them now I’m diagnosed with RA.

Thank you.

[MadBunny]

Hi

I have both - but not at the same time like some do ( personal choice ).

[Adorable1 in reply to MadBunny]

Yes I have made appointment for flu jab in a weeks time and I was thinking I’m going to have Covid Vacc separately this time,

Thank you 😊

[MadBunny in reply to Adorable1]

You're welcome. Had my flu one today , covid next Friday.

[Spanelmad]

I normally book them a week apart in case of a reaction.With the Covid jab I stop MTX for 2 weeks

[KathleenMary in reply to Spanelmad]

Yes I've been advised likewise

[Chester1975]

yes and you can also ask for the pneumonia jab too as you have RA x

[greynot]

I'm booked to have both together next week

[ks1966]

This learned friend is on Rituximab. Therefore, I space my vaccines 4-6 months before or after my infusions due to the depletion of B cells in my system.

[AgedCrone in reply to ks1966]

I booked my Flu jab early at Boots as I have done for the last few years for exactly the same reason …to fit in with my Rituximab infusions .I just got an email saying “ we’ve had to cancel your flu vaccination go online and book another one” Not one word of regret or an apology…… so I won’t be booking there anymore.

[ks1966 in reply to AgedCrone]

That’s unprofessional from them. Maybe you can try your GP’s nurse ?!

[AgedCrone in reply to ks1966]

Oh I did get another date but three weeks later which will cut it being too close to my Rtx infusion…so I will have to ask to change the infusion date….which doesn’t go down well.

[PCStrawberry]

We always consult with our physician. Influenza vaccine is a "no" for my wife, but not me. COVID-19 we both receive, but pause biological for one cycle and get the vaccine on the day of the missed injection dose.

[fred42]

I am able to have anything except a live vaccine, so COVID and Flu are fine.

[Annscottie]

Hi. Im on hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. I asked your question of my rheumy team in 2023 when I was first diagnosed. I was told ok to have both vaccines. No need to stop my meds. I chose to have them at the same time and will do again this year.

Best wishes

[Adorable1 in reply to Annscottie]

Thanks so much

[Doodlereggie]

I am booked for both next Monday,one in each arm,same as previous years,with no problems.i am on JAK meds and just carry on as usual.Only have to pause them if on antibiotics or antivirals,what a palaver!

I am booked for respiratory one following week,but am not sure whether to cancel.My neighbour had his yesterday,and collapsed in the road outside here on way back.As I have never had it before,may give it a miss,as everything nice and smooth at the moment and don’t want to rock the boat!

[Adorable1 in reply to Doodlereggie]

I understand your thoughts on this.

Thank you for the reply

[ABwn]

I now have both together as they aren't live vaccinations. I've, so far, had no problems with them.

[Keepinmovin]

I had both last year. So far this year, I have had the flu jab (yesterday). No problems.