Questions about prednisone and vaccines

[Mami]

questions about prednisone and vaccines

I'm a newby with a recently diagnosed 10 yr old daughter w/ Crohn's. She's on 30 mg of Pred. I thought it was an anti-inflammatory... is it also an immuno-suppressant?

Also, should I be vaccinating my other 2 kids to keep her healthy if there's all this research linking vaccines to IBD's? Wouldn't that raise their chances of Crohn's too? Sorry for the ignorance. Jamie

 

[vonfunk]

In my opinion, and I know there is s segment of the population that disagrees.

The same research linking vaccines to IBD is also linking the vaccines to any number of diseases. It's paranoia mostly as the research is quite spotty and the doctor who lead the crusade has had his license taken away. The only reason it became a media fixation is because Jenny McCarthy went on Oprah, and proclaimed this was an issue despite having no knowledge of medicine.

This vaccine paranoia is causing a resurgence in diseases like measles and rubella. As someone with IBD and who is going to lose his colon because of it, I'm glad I had the vaccines as a kid because I'd much rather have IBD than have had run the risk of dying or being seriously impaired by completely preventable diseases.

 

[DustyKat]

Yes, Prednisone has both anti inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties.

What sort of vaccines are you thinking of?

I have two children, my daughter (18) with Crohns and my son (17) without Crohns. I have kept both of my children on their normal vaccination program throughout their childhood and teenage years. I have not had my son take the fluvax each year but I have given it to my daughter since she commenced on Imuran 4 years ago. I know you can limit exposure to disease within the confines of your house but not once you leave the front door. Therefore I am more focused on my daughter having her own protection rather than worrying about what everyone else around her is doing.

It is worth noting here that vaccines should not be live.

I might be worth discussing this with your GI, I know I certainly ran each one by my GI before having it administered.

Dusty.

 

[Mami]

All of my kids have always gotten their vaccines, but I'm trying to decide about giving them all the flu shot... GI said she should have it...

 

[Lisa]

I get the flu shot every year- ever since it came out. One thing my GP told me after my last bout of strep - I should take care of MYSELF - the other people I am around are ADULTS and should know how to protect themselves......basically - take care of yourself (daughter)...first....

 

[Stacyface]

I was just curious about Prednisone and growth issues. How much is too much and for how long? I have great concerns over that since my son has lost and gained the same 18-20 pounds of the 26 he lost over the last year and has only gained a 1/2" in the last year. He will be on prednisone a full year in December.

 

[momof3]

I feel this is something only you can decide. My husband has always been against getting our children the flu shot and I have just "let" him win that one. However, when our son was diagnosed with crohn's and his GI dr said that he should receive it to keep him healthy, I searched for info. I could not find anything that directly linked the vaccine and crohn's that I didn't feel comfortable with and was able to use to persuade my husband. We have since had all 3 of our children vaccinated just to lessen the chance of bringing it around him.

Jessica

 

[Astra]

Hiya Jamie

In my opinion, your other kids don't need a flu shot, but if your daughter is on Pred or an immuno suppressor, then the inactivated (dead) flu shot is advisable for IBD during Oct and Nov, and won't give the resipient the flu.
Be sure it's not the nasal spray flu shot which is live (LAIV) Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine. No one with a weakened immune system should have this, especially on Aza.
xxx