To flu shot or not to flu shot

I am currently being tested for Lupus and MCTD variations and had my flu shot at my GPs when I went uo for a chest infection as I have lower immunity as am on azathioprine. The flu shot we have in UK is the 'dead' version so no live vaccine. I have it every year since 1995, prior to that would get flu every year without fail just after New Year, all that chime of midnight kissing, but since I have had my shot only have caught swine flu and that was when pandemic started and they hadn't developed vaccine for it at the time.

I don't know about whether it would interfere with the medication you are taking but would say of you are in the risk group and doctor says it is ok then I'd have it.

Lynnwood people keep telling me to go get my flu shot so I am actually planning on asking my Rheumly his opinion. I actually had the Swine flu last year (yes it was as horrible as everyone said it was I had to go to the hospital) so I was thinking about getting my vaccine this year.

If your arm hurts after the injection, the info flyer we get at our surgery recommends moving the arm as much as possible. Must admit last year my arm was so painful for a week afterwards but had mine week before last and was fine, either that or these new pain meds are great on that pain but just not too good on the pain I actually want them to work on.

Hey hey!

Last year, my rheumy said I didn't need to get it. I haven't had the flu in over 10 years, and I never get "regular" sick. (You know, the kind of sick healthy people get.) I saw my PA today, and he said I should get it. "But I'm supposed to tell you that. It's my job." But he agreed with what my rheumy said last year, that I would be fine without it.

I'd ask your rheumy. It really depends on how active everything is in your body and what drugs you are on. If you're on tons of immunosuppresants, it may be wise.

As you can see from this thread, there is no "right" answer, as is often the case with lupus. Best of luck!

I go back and forth on this every year.  I'm not getting it this year.  I got it last year because my daughter was having surgery in November and we needed to travel to her, and I wanted the extra protection.  Nearly 3 wks post flu shot, and 3 days before travel I came down with the flu...fever, malaise, upper respiratory congestion, pain yada yada.   I did make it to her surgery, but it wasn't an easy trip and ironically, I was talked into getting the flu shot by my doctor who said, you know they won't let you fly with a fever.....well, we had to cancel our flights and drive.

I wish I knew why - but I seem to fare better without it.  I am not out and about very much, so my exposure is generally limited.  I hadn't thought about the other ingredients in the vaccine - someone said formaldehyde - which is apparently true - although it is in teeny tiny amounts.  Still - I seem to be very sensitive to chemicals and medication, etc.  so perhaps that is it.   I figured it just triggered an immune system response that essentially was backwards.  Just another unsolved mystery.