Yearly flu jab

[Udupik]

Presume people who are on immunosuppressants have taken the yearly flu jab and it has been largely uneventful?

[Hidden]

I am not on any medication for my GPA as I am currently in remission. However, when I was taking all the medications, I took the yearly flu vaccine and it did not create any issues for me.

[zoe69 Moderator Volunteer Vasculitis UK]

I have had a flu jab annually since I got diagnosed with vasculitis. No major side effects, a bit sore and red on the injection site for 1-2 days only.

[eh66]

My company fund our flu vaccinations, so I was getting them before I started down this path. I generally find I have one year where it appears to have no effect, and then next I have 24 hours of feeling a bit grotty. That didn't change after the vasculitis diagnosis. I am now in remission. My consultant was very keen that I was fully vaccinated.

[Investigator1]

Hi Udupik

Yes like eh66, feel a bit “off” following day and of course sore arm but well worth it. My pharmacist “get this” (because my GP wouldn’t/couldn’t answer me) said “you won’t get as good protection as people who are not Immune Suppressed but you will get a good 50%). Knowing the Pharmacist I don’t think she was blowing smoke up my bottom so it’s food for thought, but if she is somewhere near the mark it’s a good trade. Take care. Nick.

[Preacherball]

Last couple years I have been on various doses of pred. and weekly injections of TCZ. (Actemra) I've had all my shots (flu, covid) along the way and fortunately, have never had a problem. Also avoided the flu and covid, so that's a positive. I just finished my pred. taper and will continue with my Actemra injections for another year. I'm hoping I'm done with pred., but we'll see...

[chrisj]

Have it every year, no problems that I can recall

[012703060610]

For some reason my Rheumatologist was fine with flu vaccine, but no more COVID boosters or Pneumonia vaccine. I haven't ever had an issue with the flu shot....crap, knock on wood!

[Udupik in reply to 012703060610]

Is Pneumonia vaccine known to cause issues? It is similar to the flu one is what I heard

[012703060610 in reply to Udupik]

Generally it is recommended for an older population, so most folks may not be able to get it. However since we are all immunocompromised, I really wanted it. I literally was in the hospital with double pneumonia last week. I am assuming the vaccine only cover viral pneumonia versus bacterial. I tend to always get bacteria pneumonia or bronchitis. I don't know why my Rheumatologist was so against it. I see him early next week.

[jackrussell in reply to Udupik]

I had the pneumonia jab as apparently you only need to have it once ( as far as I am aware ) , and had no side affects at all , however on odd occasions I have had a slight reaction to the flu jab.