Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Lori57703 10/25/2013

I currently am taking only Aleve while awaiting the official diagnosis from my rhuemy who is out of town right now. I'm pretty sure my labs make RA a definite and expect to start treatment sometime in the next few weeks. So, I am wondering should I get my flu vaccine this weekend or do you all think it could delay getting my treatment started? For those of you who are taking MTX or biologics, what do you do about a flu vaccine every year? Thanks. Lori

deleted_user 10/25/2013

hi Lori and welcome! I've been on Enbrel for 13 years and have always gotten a flu shot every year, my rheumy insist & I'm happy to oblige. In all those years I've only had the flu one time & was so miserable, I definitely want to do whatever I can to avoid ever getting it again!
In regards to flu vaccines, the only form that is unacceptable for someone taking a biologic is the nasal spray, as it is a live attenuated vaccine.
Good luck with your DX and treatment!

Lori57703 10/25/2013

Thank you pugpen! I should have an official answer on 10-31-13 when my rhuemy returns. My RF is 117, CRP 23, and anti-CCP is greater than 250. Add that to symptoms and it is pretty much a clear picture. I'm a nurse and I've done my research but feel like I am self-diagnosing without the offical word from the doc.

I think I will get my flu vaccine this weekend. I appreciate your response!

deleted_user 10/25/2013

Lori, I also get a flue shot every year and have been on MTX until this week. I've never had a problem so far, so I believe it must okay to have the vaccine while on the meds.

Good luck and God bless,
Marlene

deleted_user 10/25/2013

I'm on MTX and I specifically asked my rheumy at my recent appointment about vaccines. He said it was okay to get both the flu and the pneumonia shot as long as they weren't the live vaccine (as pugpen mentioned). I got both of them. He did say I couldn't get the shingles shot as that is a live vaccine.
Good luck with your treatment!

lhowemt 10/26/2013

You might consider the shingles vaccine now, since it is live and you can't take it on a biologic.

Grandpa2one 10/26/2013

I'm taking MTX and got my flu shot a couple of weeks ago with no problems. I got the extra strong one for people over 65.

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