Flu shots

[chrisnsteph1022]

I'm on Cimzia and Imuran. I can't have a flu vaccine, right? They're doing them free at work and I'm required to fill out a form stating why I'm declining it if I can't have it.

 

[Lisa]

I get one every year, even since being on Remicade - the only thing I cannot get is the LIVE vaccine - the shot is fine.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Ok, maybe that's where I was getting confused. Because they recommend the vaccine for immunocompromised people, but I thought it could cause me to get the flu. I guess that's with the live vaccine.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

There was a thread on this a few years back. Someone wrote that since a flu shot increases your immune system, they always flare after getting the shot. I don't get mine anymore, but most people seemed to think you still should.
I will see if I can find that old thread.

edit - Ha! Well that didn't take long. I didn't find the one I was looking for, but 2 others came up with some good discussion on them.

Here is one -
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=4115&highlight=shot
Here is the other -
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=4277&highlight=shot

I think the one I was looking for had been started by a now deleted member.

 

[Lisa]

I have been getting the flu shot since they first came out - and have never noticed a problem.....it may be different for different people though.....

 

[KTA]

I agree with MBH. I believe the immune response from the flu shot may cause a flare up in some people. It never made sense to me as to why the doctor would keep pushing my son to get it. I even posted this question to another MD, wouldn't the shot cause a possible flare because of the immune response and he told me..."Good Question" ! But then again, if you get the flu, that could possibly cause a flare too.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I just called my doctor and he said do the shot, but not the mist (live vaccine). It makes sense, because getting the flu could end up being fatal to someone who is immunocompromised. I'm already in a flare, so I'm not too worried about that aspect. However, last time I got the shot (I was in remission), I honestly felt like I had the flu for a couple days. I was miserable.

 

[tiloah]

Yes, get the shot, NOT the nasal spray. And make sure the shot is not live (it shouldn't be, but make sure). The nasal spray does have a live "weakened" virus, and can make immunocompromised people sick. If the vaccine is not live, it CANNOT make you sick (at least not with the illness you're vaccinating against).

 

[littlemissh]

I've had my flu jab last week and had no ill effects.

 

[hawkeye]

I've been getting the flu shot for quite a while and have never had any ill effects, aside from the sore arm.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Never had a flu shot until last year. I was and am still on both Imuran and Humira. I didn't notice any ill effects after getting it. I plan on getting it again this year. Need to do it soon!