Flu vaccine?

[Diane53]

Is it okay to have a flu jab while on prednisone? Just diagnosed last Weds started on meds @20mg daily on Thursday and already getting some relief.

[Hindags]

I was told that it is ok as long as it is the dead virus. I'm at 9.5 but I don't think it is contraindicated at 20. I think it is a good question to ask your doctors. I was encouraged by my Rheumy to get the shot and to get the senior version which may be a bit more effective.

However, I think others here are skeptical about the effectiveness of the vaccine in the elderly in general, especially when their immune system are turned down by Prednisone.

I'm glad to read that the Pred. Is having a good effect and that you a feeling better.

[Pamela60]

I've just had my flu jab on Wednesday with no bother. I'm down to 4.5 mg pred. But I've been getting jab for last few years even on 60 mg.

[1Purplecrow]

I'd encourage you to check the archives for previous discussions regarding flu vaccines. It has been well discussed.

My experience is that the flu vaccine is absolutely safe, and i have had my injection annually for 20 years, including the past 4 while using prednisone for PMR.

Good luck, Jerri

[Diane53]

Thanks guys... thats very helpful... will trundle along to the flu clinic next week. Thank You!

[SheffieldJane]

All the advice seems to be that it's fine. I had no ill effects, it is not a live vaccine and flu hits us like a sledgehammer.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Perfectly OK to have the flu shot - in fact, it is highly recommended. The flu shot is a killed virus, you can't "catch" flu from it, it just allows your immune system to get used to the flu's overcoats in case you meet them again at a later point.

You should not have the nasal spray version used for children - that is live virus and NOT suitable for patients on pred. And really, you shouldn't get too close to a child who has recently been vaccinated.

[Ladybird25]

I had the flu jab last year while on Pred with no ill effects, and I am planning to have it again this year. It is not a live vaccine; however, you might experience mild flu-like symptoms and/or a sore arm at the injection site for a day or two, but that is a vaccine reaction and not proper flu.

It would be far worse to get flu, although of course the flu jab won't protect you from every virus, and you might still get flu if the virus is different to the ones contained within the virus.