Taking predisilone and flu shots

[Collingwood1]

My husband is on predisilone for copd at the moment can he have the flu needle and pheumonia needle while on predisilone we are in Australia. Thank you

[AussiePolyDee]

Hi, Welcome to this forum. I'm in Australia also, and was advised by my GP (and rheumy) to have the flu jab and the pneumonia one too.

Have been on Prednisolone for 7 years and had 18 months on Methotrexate too. Was down to small maintenance dose till last year when had some bad flares (following surgery) and up again with Pred. Reducing again and now on 11mg. (fingers crossed)

Apart from that, you will have lots of excellent advice and support coming your way on this forum.

PMRpro and Dorset Lady especially very knowledgeable and generous with their time and advice.

All the best, Dee

[AussiePolyDee]

Sorry, meant to say the flu jab recommended but was advised the pneumonia one before I was on pred. Regards

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Collingwood, neither vaccine is a 'live' vaccine and, as such, both are safe alongside Prednisolone. It is only 'live' vaccines that should be avoided.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - no reason NOT to have them and they are recommended as the pred is enough to damp down your immune response if you SHOULD catch either flu or pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Had both of them when I was on fairly high doses of Pred. No problems, apart from the usual slightly achy arms!

[1Purplecrow]

i have received flu vaccine annually and pneumonia jab early in my PMR journey (three +years ago). No negative consequences with either.

My pharmacist reminded me of the risks associated with flu and pneumonia. I've had both, and don't want either again.

Regards, Jerri

[Collingwood1]

Thank you all