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H1N1 vaccine

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Posted 8/21/2009 10:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have been reading the pros and cons of the new H1N1 vaccine and just wondering if anyone has talked to their doctor about whether or not those of taking Humira, Enbrel etc can receive the vaccine.

There's a lot of controversy going on because the government is rushing through the production of the vaccine and giving the pharmaceutical companies the o.k. to use some ingredients that haven't been approved or thoroughly tested from what I understand.

I'm assuming that because we have compromised immune systems we'll be told to get the vaccine.

anyway - just curious how you all feel about it.

thanks

Alicat

Posted 8/21/2009 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Good point.

I avoided having the yearly flu shot this year as i had similar concerns. I reckon the fact that the biologics make your immune system suppresed might make you get sick from the vaccines as arent they essentialy a dose of flu anyway? or Am i wrong?

I usually go with my gut with matters related to my disease and it usually serves me well!

Food for thought!
Posted 8/21/2009 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Shanno

 

I do get the regular flu vaccine every year and my rheumy said it was o.k. because it's not a live vaccine.   I've never had a problem with that one.   Just concerned that they really don't know how this new vaccine will react.    Guess I'll have to weight it out and go with my gut on that one too.

 

thanks for your input

 

Alicat

Posted 8/21/2009 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
No worries mate

The thing I dont like about TNF blockers is that they really don't know about effects of long term use as they are relativley new....the longer im on em, the more it plays on my mind and I find my self more and more weighing up the side effects and possible problems that you can get from using them or putting up with the pain. I have already had 1 close shave on Enbrel and from that I'm quite wary of them
Posted 8/22/2009 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
My rhuemy will want me to get the vaccine. I usually do everything she tells me to do.
Posted 8/31/2009 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
Last year I was chosen by the CDC to answer a survey lasting about 30 minutes, and I was apparently representing 5000 women in my responses. This was long before the H1N1 was even mentioned in the media. The survey was all about If there was a pandemic would I be vaccinated? They asked how often I ate fruits/veggies, and all kinds of questions to determine my represented group. I just find too weird that they were doing surveys like this long before the out breaks in Mexico. The whole thing makes me very curious.
My rhuemy wants me to get all the shots. Including a hep series, I haven't followed that advice as of yet.
Posted 9/3/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I normally post in the Crohn's forum but found this thread through a search. I wanted to see what others were hearing about the H1N1 vaccine as I am on Humira and have been told at work that we were in the first group that would be offered the vaccine. I asked my doctor 3 days ago about it and he said that if the vaccine is a live virus then I wouldn't be able to take it. The regular influenza vaccine is a dead virus and that I could take it, along with the pneumonia vaccine. (I did that last year and had no problems) My doctor said that they didn't know if the vaccines would be live virus or not, so does anyone know if it will be? Thanks!
Posted 9/3/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)

I also got the regular flu shot and pneumonia shot last year with no problem.    Today I had to call and refill my Humira and I asked the pharmacist about getting the H1N1 vaccine.   He said of course to check with my doctor but that generally they're telling people on Humira to skip a shot both the week before and the week after getting it.   No one's told me yet if it's a live vaccine.   I will need a lot more answers before deciding whether or not to get it.  That flu seems to be targeting younger people and I'm 62 so I might just take my changes unless they can give me some clearer info on the risks of me taking it.    Am definately planning on getting the regular flu shot though.   

If anyone gets further info on the H1N1 vaccine I'd like to know too,

thanks

Alicat

Posted 10/27/2009 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in touch with my Doctor just about every other week for the past 3 months.  No documentation has been provided to them with regards to the reaction of taking the H1N1 vaccine / Flu Shot / both.

What it really boils down to is.............................. "Do you not take it and RISK the chance of getting something that could potentially kill you or make you so sick you wish you'd die?" or do you "take the vaccine (ONLY if it's NOT a live vaccine and hope for the best."....

here in CANADA, we're lucky (sort of....)

Our vaccine for H1N1 is NOT a live vaccine.  U.S. DOES have a live vaccine.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  "WE ALREADY ARE GUINNY PIGS (??) ..... TEST PILOTS..... SPECIMENS PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE"..... not really sure about the rest of you folks but I've been on so many drugs in the past 7 years..... "what's one more?"

My life is worth taking the chance.

Good luck to all of you in WHATEVER "YOU" decide.

Firechiefsgal~

 

Posted 10/27/2009 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
In the U.S. you can receive either the shot (dead virus) or the nasal injection (live virus). People with compromised immune systems should never receive a live virus.

Personally, I'm not too concerned at the moment as I'm not in a high-risk group (pregnant women, children and adults under 25), so it'll probably be some time before the vaccine is even available for me to get. And with current shortages, it may be a very long time.

So far, most cases of swine flu have been relatively mild. The real problem is if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma because of the increased risk of developing pneumonia.
Posted 11/13/2009 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
somewhat scared at this point. could be related - might not be - i am on Humeria - and HAVE had the seasonal AND H1N1 shots.
definite changes in my system. Currently i feel like my left arm (the one i had both shots in) is in alot of pain. Also the "freezing cold" sensation. I cant use much of my arm from the aching pain.
was recommended to get both shots so I did. now second guessing....not wanting to scare anyone from it - but i think i will be heading to the clinic after work as the pain is not going away, and has been around so long and is only getting worse.
Posted 11/13/2009 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Canadiangirl69.....

I like you am on Humira. 1 needle per week and I have had the Seasonal & H1N1 shots in the same day.

My arm was extremely sore for about 1 week..... most complained of soreness for 3-4 days but I seriously could not lift or lay on my arm for 1 week (possibly a little longer).

I missed 1 day of work from this result but other than that (I'm tired somewhat more than usual but it could be work related).

If you aren't feeling well other than your sore arm, I'd definetly go see the doctor but like I said, it takes a long time.  it does get worse before it gets better.

If you need to set your mind at ease... see the doc but DONT take Tamiflu (it's an antibiotic and it's dangerous when you're on Humira to take ANY antibiotic).

Hope I've helped some.

Take care from one Canadiangirl to another!

 

Posted 11/13/2009 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi FIRECHIEFSGAL

Thanks - its does help. I did NOT know I couldn't take ANY antibiotic. Thanks it is good to know.

I am definitely getting worse - my husband is extremely concerned because of the humeria and we have had 3 positive H1N1 cases in our office prior to or around me getting the shot.

I appreciate your in site.
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