My MS specialist says yes we need it. Especially those of us on Tysabri, it lowers our immune systems, and we can catch things easier. He is a well respected MS specialist at the Rocky Mountain MS center, DR. Timothy Vollmer. I trust his opinion!

Absolutely NOT! My first MS symptom was just after taking the infamous Swine Flu vaccine in the 1970's. That one was taking off the market due to lawsuits over 25 deaths and a huge number of Gullian Barre' cases.

Also, I read the CDC is not even recommending it for people over age 52 due to a natural immunity from earlier exposure to a similar virus. k

My neuro says the vaccine is unnecessary and in some rare instances even harmful.

My first MS symptom came after having my first child! I ended up having 2 more. Different strokes different folks!

It would be nice of these neuros would provide all of us with consistant information. Some say to do some do not recommend.

I think you have to ask a doc that is a MS specialist, and not just a Neurologist :)

Even then, there is unlikely to be any consensus on something like whether we need the flu shot.

It's a good reminder that medicine is a lot of "art" not just a science. We sometimes see our doctors to get educated opinions, not always for proven facts.

I still havent decided if I am going to get it or not. My son is going to school, so the chances are good he and I would get it. I guess I have till mid October to dwell on it. At first I was thinking no shot for my son and I, but my decision might change

You would think since i'm on Tysabri i should get it but i'm so scared that it will set off my MS. Getting my wisdom teeth out made me go numb from the waist down for a couple days. I can't imagine what getting a synthetic virus injected into me would do. I'm not sure i want to find out.

Here's what the NMSS says for swine flu:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=147

I will just be extra careful with public railings, doorknobs and stuff like that. I don't let people to get all in my face, sick or not and have gotten away from shaking hands. Vaccines are bad news. So Im avoiding them when I can.

interesting kerry. It places me in the same uncertainty before, Sandy posted what the Rocky Mountain center recommended for Tysabri users....The Rocy Mountain Center included Tysabri use with the use of immune suppresants. The NMS society does not. Both advise a regular flu shot. So I'm getting that and playing an H1N1 shot by ear, I'll decide in Oct.

NMS Society:

Regular flu shot: As in previous years, the National MS Society recommends a regular flu shot as a safe and effective vaccination for people with MS. The flu shotwhich is a de-activated or killed vaccinecan safely be taken by individuals who are on any of the disease-modifying medications (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif, Novantrone, or Tysabri).


It is important to note that people with disabilities (including people with MS) are not necessarily considered part of this high-priority group. However:

* The flu virus (like any other virus) can precipitate MS exacerbations
* A person with advanced MS or someone with less severe disease (Kurtzke 6.0) who has reduced pulmonary function or has any difficulty with breathing is considered at risk for complications and a good candidate for the H1N1 vaccine.


Then from the Rocky Mountain MS center....
It is possible that those who take various medications that compromise the immune system may be at higher risk of developing serious complications of influenza should they become infected. This is not typically the case with standard medications used in MS such as interferons (avonex, betaseron and rebif) and glatiramer acetate (copaxone), but may be true for those taking natalizumab (tysabri), rituximab (rituxan), mycophyenylate (cellcept), azathioprine (imuran), methotrexate, or even chronic steroids

My neuro and MS clinic recommend that I get this shot. I may still do some more research because in the winter, I basically become a recluse of sorts rarely leaving my farm. I always get the regular flu shot, and of course, living in cow country can make it difficult to get "special" vaccines...

Hmmm... I will also be in stand-by mode until I hear of the shots being available locally. I have no kidz, my partner does not work as much in the winter, and I don't really leave my farm much when it is nasty--I definitely will not be driving my pretty, new-to-me truck in bad weather! (The Chickie Momma Mobile is just TOO CUTE!!! Especially to me after years of driving rust-bucket, hillbilly truck..LOL) xo Cj (Cindyjo)

KansasKerry: Thank you so much for the link to the NMSS info!!! I will be emailing my MS nurse (who also HAS MS) to confirm with her that YES, my neuro wants me to get this... I may find myself running north to my clinic for the shot if I should get it as I'm not sure how it will all play out in cow country... xo Cj