Pneumococcal Immunisation

[Ronnie101]

Morning all, has anybody had Pneumococcal Immunisation whilst on steroids? I've been offered this as a precaution against pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis. I'm slightly concerned about its interaction with GCA/PMR and/or steroids.

[violetsnowdrop]

I had it two years ago. " have you had your flu jab yet?" "No." "OK sharp prick left arm---You also need pneumonia jab--sharp prick right arm!"

And I only went in to have my leg dressing changed! No after effects though.

[MamaBeagle in reply to violetsnowdrop]

Love it! And more so that you're still around to tell the tale!

[Gaijin]

Yes, I got one because I went on Actemra which puts you more at risk for getting pneumonia and other infections. I was on about 10 to 12.5 mgs when I got it... Didn't really feel any reaction.

[Ronnie101]

Thanks for the replies - reassuring!

[Linny3]

Last year The doctors scared me bad enough I went ahead and got the shot plus a flu shot.

I hadn't had any shots for 40 years. I was always scared of them. I will probably get the flu shot again this year. Sickness scares me more than what may or may not happen with the shot.

Good Luck

[Sped53]

My doctor did not want me to get a pneumonia shot while on Prednisone. I feel a bit aprehensive about is advice as I would think the risk of getting pneumonia would be worse than a reaction to the shot. He also said I could get the regular dose flu shot but should hold off the higher dose one while I am on prednisone.

[clieder]

Had the Prevnar 13 immunization four months after diagnosis of PMR/GCA in 2015. No ill effects at all. I had already had the initial pneumonia vaccine in 2005. In my case, I was on 12 to 15 mg of prednisone at the time and no one thought it carried any risk and offered many benefits. You mention a combination vaccine, though, so that may be different. Does it have a name that you can research a bit?

[BonnyQuine]

It's fine so long as it's not a live vaccine.