Pneumonia injection

[102637]

I need advice please on having the pneumonia injection 3 month after Rituximab

I was diagnosed with GPA 5 years ago I had the pneumonia jab then so am due for another one

After 5 years of not feeling well I am now starting to feel normal so don’t want to rock the boat I had forgotten how feeling well felt!!!

There is some very knowledgeable people on this site so I am hoping you will be able to advice me I have found this site invaluable over the years when I didn’t understand what was happening to me and needed help

Regards Christine

[Canygirl61]

Dear Christine,

I’m only recently diagnosed, and just completed Rituximab 3 weeks ago. My doctor recommended the pneumonia vaccine, so I got it last week while at his office. I felt no effects, other than a sore arm at the injection site. Prior to this, I’ve not had a pneumonia vaccine, and haven’t investigated whether there are different versions. I was told I would get a booster shot next year, and wouldn’t need another for ten years. I’m not a medical expert, so please consult with your doctor. That being said, it seems better to be protected than not.

All the best,

Claire

[102637 in reply to Canygirl61]

Thank you for your reply Claire

what I was meaning though,,is the pneumonia injection still affective so close to having rituximab?

However it must be if your Dr gave it only 3 weeks after Rituximab

Chris

[Red-head44]

Hello there

I have never heard of a pneumonia vaccine but do get the flu jab each year. I have had GPA for three years and the best bit about your post was hearing that I may feel 'well' in the future.

Take care

[102637 in reply to Red-head44]

Hi you will feel better .....not like you were before the illness ....but well again!!

Are you still taking steroids? Once you stop taking them is when you will feel much better... no more fuzzy heads!!

Surprised your Dr hasn’t offered you the pneumonia injection as well as the flu jab

Think positive you will be fine 🙂

[Red-head44 in reply to 102637]

Yes still on steroids - 7mg. Tried getting down to 6mg in August but I have started to become breathless VERY easily and doctor has asked me to stay on 7mg during the winter in case of relapse. I was feeling very well on 7mg and then when I started down onto 6 this problem started However, going back to 7mg hasn't made it any less.

[deebeau]

It shouldn’t hurt you to take it since it a dead virus. My Rheumatologist don’t recommend any live virus vaccinations like shingles or other live viruses. He said the Flu and Pneumococcal are okay to take. Good luck. My body couldn’t handle the Rituximab my doctor ordered for me. I also couldn’t take the chemo pills he prescribed for me. Now I’m trying a new approach by eating healthy and taking supplements. I hope I will be able to come off of all my medicine. I had no alternative but to try this approach. I wish you all the best. God Bless you.