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Posted 12/16/2013 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I saw my GI last week. He asked me to check with my regular internal medicine doctor to see if I was up to date on vaccinations - tetanus and pneumonia in particular. I didn't ask why, but assume because I am now taking 6mp. Anyway, I emailed my regular doctor and he said I saw due for tetanus, but that he did not think that I was a candidate for Pneumovax based on age (43). Obviously I need to ask my GI why he wants me to get Pneumovax, but I thought I check in here first. I really hate/fear injections, not that they are ever bad when I get them, but I do and now I need three potentially - flu, tetanus and pneumonia.
Pneumovax anyone?
Posted 12/16/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
I would definitely get it.
Posted 12/16/2013 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't gotten anything in years. I was going to get tetnus but it was backordered and I decided I probably didn't need it. The pharmacist said if you're not working with children or in a hospital, it was unlikely you would need the vaccine. I think it is combined with pertusis (sp) vaccine. The other one was not mentioned to me.
Posted 12/16/2013 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Pneumovax is recommended for people over 60 OR for those who are immunocompromised. Tetanus is due every 10 years for all adults, and can be given either in conjunction with pertussis or alone. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person directly, but usually from a dirty injury such as stepping on a nail or such. Pertussis is recommended especially for people who work with young children or the parents of young children. Babies more and more are getting pertussis from unimmunized parents and caretakers.

Because many adults neglect routine immunizations, it's especially important for people with immune problems to be immunized. There's a pool of potential infection out there, and being on Prednisone makes you more susceptible to catching infectious diseases.

Or you can do nothing and take your chances.
Posted 12/16/2013 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on 6MP as well and my GP told me I should have gotten the pneumonia vaccine and shingles vaccine prior to starting the 6MP. I need to check with my gastro doc because I got the flu vaccine while on 6MP so I don't know why I can't get the others. The GP said because I'm immune suppressed being injected with the live virus would surely give me the illness, particularly shingles (which I've already gotten - thank you 6MP).
Posted 12/16/2013 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting Hagz. My GI didn't even mention vaccines until last week and I've been on the 6mp for at least a few months. I go on vacation on Thursday, maybe I should play it safe and hold off on these until I get back? Or just get the flu vaccine now?
Posted 12/16/2013 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
My doc pretty much insisted on it....my wife was with me and he even told her to make sure I go. He said since I'm on 6mp (and soon Remicade) I should 100% get the vaccine.

I did get the flu vaccine last week....he wants me to get another one that you're supposed to get every 10 years (forget the name, wife knows). He said just make sure you're not getting the live vaccine (the through the nose one) and you'll be ok.
Posted 12/16/2013 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure if you can have the pneumonia vaccine now -- I believe it's a live vaccine so it's contraindicated for immunocompromised patients (same with shingles vaccine and the nasal flu vaccine), which you are if you're on 6MP. My GI wouldn't even let my parents get their shingles vaccines when I was living with them while I was o Remicade because she said I could catch it from them. I would double check all the labeling. Other vaccines like the regular flu vaccine are OK.
Posted 12/16/2013 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you should def get the flu vaccine and I guess we both need to look into the others - from what Pluot is saying we may be too late for shingles and pneumonia now.
Posted 12/16/2013 4:23 PM (GMT 0)

notsosicklygirl said...
I haven't gotten anything in years. I was going to get tetnus but it was backordered and I decided I probably didn't need it. The pharmacist said if you're not working with children or in a hospital, it was unlikely you would need the vaccine. I think it is combined with pertusis (sp) vaccine. The other one was not mentioned to me.

ditto, and really have no fear of not having them done either, lol.
Posted 12/16/2013 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me to get the flu and pneumonia shots. You're suppose to be over 60 for insurance to pay. Since I am on humira my insurance didn't hesitate on paying.
Posted 12/16/2013 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
yes, get the pneumovax! Getting pneumonia while you're immuno-compromised is no joke. I wound up in the ICU for a week + with strep pneumonia, while on Remicade & Imuran. It was seriously touch & go for a few days. Pneumovax is not a live vaccine, & it gives you 5 years of protection. It won't cause any harm, & could save your life. I got one the year after I was so sick with pneumonia, & didn't pay anything for it, it was jsut part of an office visit.
Posted 12/16/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I have to look into the pneumovax a bit more because of Pluot's input, otherwise I will get it I suppose. And I will get the tetanus and flu, too eventually. Last year I procrastinated on getting the flu shot long enough to miss the season - never got it!
Posted 12/17/2013 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
My GI said to get both the flu and the pneumonia vaccines. I only got the flu one, but holy cow, if my fiance's bout with the flu in October is any indication of what's in store, I'm glad I got the vaccine.
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